Unlock the power of social support for your success

Let’s face it: Talking about your weight care journey can be tricky–especially if you’ve tried to lose weight (many times) in the past.

There are many stigmas around weight in general, as well as uncomfortable questions, insults, and more—you may hear things like, “Another weight loss program? How do you know this one is going to work?”

Often, these hurtful remarks come from the people closest to us, including spouses or intimate partners, family members, co-workers, and friends. But, support is important: Science shows that having social support can help boost success with long-term weight loss. 

 So how do you choose who to share your journey with, and what do you share? And how do you build a team of people around you who will cheer you on and give you the support you need? Let’s dive into the types of social support that can help you stay true to yourself and how to lean on them to help you thrive.

Romantic partners & spousal support

Making lasting lifestyle changes takes daily accountability and hard work. What better place to receive that support than in the comfort of your own home?

With shared households and routines, romantic partners are uniquely positioned to offer a "team effort" to weight loss.  And, couples who tackle healthy habit changes together (such as nutrition and physical activity) tend to make even more progress.  So head out the door for a walk with your partner, or cook a delicious (and nutritious) meal together.  Teamwork makes the dream work. 

Peers, friends, & family

Nothing can be more gratifying than having the people who matter most to you stand behind you on your weight care journey.  In a study that addressed weight loss in women, those who said they had support from friends and family were more likely to lose weight than those who said they never experienced friend and family support. 

Taking it a step further (pun intended), partnering with your spouse on those healthy habit changes or joining a weight loss program with a friend or family member can boost results big time, according to research. Go ahead, grab a friend, and head to a yoga class to feel better together.

Online community & social media support

But, sometimes turning to your loved ones isn’t an option.  Not all romantic partners, family, and friends offer the support that a person needs to be successful, and sometimes this lack of support can even damage a relationship.  

This is where the power of an online community comes in. In a survey that assessed the benefits of social support in a large weight loss community, approximately 60% of respondents agreed that fellow community members were more helpful than others in their life in supporting weight loss.  So while social media has its pros and cons, when it comes to your weight care journey, having an online community can help you get that support you need.  

 Here’s why…

Internet communities provide benefits similar to face-to-face interactions but additionally provide the value of convenient, diverse, and anonymous support.  And an online community can also create a safe environment that lacks judgment or stigmatization, too.  It turns out that this may actually be better than spousal or family support when you’re not getting what you need at home.

Being part of an online community keeps you accountable for your own attendance and participation.  And you can gain even more motivation by witnessing others move toward their goals.

Keep logging your routines in the Found app to join the many others going through this process, and sharing their experiences as well.  Everyone needs accountability, and you can offer your own support in return.

How to identify the ones to share your journey with

When it comes to weight care, it’s important to find the right people to talk about it with.  Look for those who are going to cheer you on and lift you up rather than bringing you down.  It can be incredibly beneficial to join a social media network where people work towards the same goals or to have a friend or significant other who encourages you.  Above all, finding the people who can help with emotional, practical, and inspirational support is key.

How to lean on them

Successful weight care needs support, empathy, and accountability from others. Whether you’re working with a health coach, seeking support in an online community, confiding in a family member or friend, or tackling healthy habits with your partner, human support is essential to sticking to and having effective outcomes with any behavioral change intervention.

Reach out via text or phone call or post in your social media group to bring others along with you.  Remember the “why” behind these changes, and share how these long-term goals are important to you. Those supporting you will gain a sense of responsibility when given a chance to cheer you on. Lean on them, and most importantly, remember that you already have all the tools you need to succeed.

This article mentions personal coaching, which isn't available for new members right now, but will be soon (yes!).

About Found

Found is among the largest medically-supported weight care clinics in the country, serving more than 200,000 members to date. To start your journey with Found, take our quiz.