Extra support boosts weight loss
26 Sep 2012

Extra support significantly boosts weight loss

2 mins to read
Losing weight can be a stressful experience, especially on your own. Online weight loss coach Andrew Cate shows how a little extra support can make a big difference to your results.


A little help goes a long way
Imagine the difference a little extra support could make to your weight loss. Having another person or program to encourage you and keep things on track could be the difference between getting fat, and getting results. That support could come from a range of sources, including your partner, friend, relatives, work colleague, personal trainer, dietician, or naturopath.

There are also some fantastic internet support programs and online weight loss coaching services which offer a variety of features, such as blogs, articles, video demonstrations of exercises, recipes, meal plans and access to expert advice on a range of issues. Whatever type of support you are seeking, recent research has highlighted the difference it can make to your success at weight loss.

Triple the weight loss
Researchers compared the impact on body weight in a group of people who visited their doctor twice in three months with a group who visited their doctor 4 times, also in three months. Both groups received the same support and lifestyle advice, such as to walk briskly for 30 minutes 5 times a week, to cut back on kilojoules, and eat more fruits and vegetables.

The results suggested that by doubling the number of visits (4 instead of 2), subjects lost triple the amount of weight. The patients with 2 doctor visits lost an average of 3.3 kilograms, while patients with 4 visits lost nearly 10 kilograms. It seems that the frequency of supervision and support had a significant impact on the weight loss achieved by these people.

Gaining support for weight loss
Here are some suggestions on how to rally a little extra support to help achieve your weight management goals.

  • Make an announcement – If you are trying to lose weight, let your friends and family know. Make them aware of how committed you are, and tell them that their help is invaluable. Even better, identify specific roles that individuals can play, like someone to walk with, someone to go to the gym with, and someone to try out healthy recipes with. Personal trainer Gary Hooper advises, “It’s helpful to train with someone who has similar goals so you can encourage each other and keep each other accountable”.
  • See a healthcare professional – Developing a good relationship with a dietician, personal trainer or naturopath can be vital to your success. They can offer advice and encouragement, keeping you on track. According to Gary Hooper: “There are so many barriers to overcome when people try to lose weight, so providing support is one of my key roles as a personal trainer”.
  • Offer support to others – If you know someone who needs help losing weight, offer your support. Try to encourage them in a way that you’d like to be encouraged. You’ll gain just as much by giving.
  • Get online – There are a number of websites that support people who are attempting to lose weight. Blackmores Weight Management Community provides regular articles on the latest strategies on losing weight, combined with blogs and discussion groups that you can contribute to. The more active you are as a member of the community, the greater your rewards.

 

References available on request



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