Dieting is a difficult and stressful struggle for many Americans. Anyone who battles with weight-loss can rest assured that they are not alone -- there are so many people who are going through the same thing. It helps to rally together with other people who can relate to you. A weight loss support group can greatly increase your chances for success. Also, you will make friends and have fun throughout your experience. There are several ways to organize your own weight-loss support group with your family and friends, other members of your community, or your co-workers.
One of the easiest places to find some members is within your very own social circle. If you have friends, co-workers, or family members who are also looking to shed some pounds, then you can form a support group with these people. Be tactful when asking your friends and family members if they want to join up, though. You don’t want to offend overweight loved ones by saying something like, “you really need to join my weight loss support group… you have gained a ton of weight” or “you are heavy; want to join my weight loss support group?” Rather, tell them that you are trying to start a weight loss support group so that you can accelerate your weight loss program, and tell them that you are looking for other people to be a part of the group. If they are interested in being a part of it, then you have just given them a golden opportunity to say so. You see, you don’t want anyone to join your weight loss support group because they feel pressured or humiliated into it. You want willing participants who are ready to initiate change in their lives – just like you are.
If you do not have any friends or family members that want or need to join a weight loss support group, don’t despair. You can make new friends by starting a weight loss support group with total strangers. In fact, some people find that it is actually easier to be in a support group with people who do not know them. Strangers don’t know your history; they don’t know your personality and your downfalls. You have the unique opportunity to recreate yourself and reintroduce yourself as the new, more confident and assertive person that you want to be as you begin to achieve your weight loss goals. In order to rally some troops for your group, make some flyers to hang at local gyms and supermarkets. Your flyer should be clear and direct. In big, bold lettering, type or write “JOIN MY WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT GROUP.” Other than that, include your first name and a telephone number. You will be surprised by how many responses you will get within a week of putting your flyer out there. It helps if you fringe the bottom of the flyer so that interested passersby can rip off your telephone number from the bottom of the flyer rather than having to get out a pen and paper and write it down.
Once you have gathered up a group of three or more people, you are ready to start your meetings. Don’t worry about not having a dozen people in the group before you get started – in fact, small, intimate groups will often yield more positive results because each member will inevitably have more “floor time.” If your group grows to over ten members over time, you might consider creating sub-groups during the meetings. If you know the people that are joining your group personally, you should feel free to have your meetings at home. If you are going to be meeting with strangers, you should be on the safe side, and hold your first few meetings at a public place, such as a library or a park (weather permitting). Do not meet in a restaurant or in any other food-oriented environment. Come on; that would be like holding an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at a bar. If you hold the meetings at your home, do not serve any unhealthy foods. If you want to offer your guests something to eat, cut up some fresh vegetables and fruits. Have ice water and other sugar-free beverages to drink. Or, if you have a small group, prepare a low-calorie healthy meal to enjoy after your meeting, and send everyone home with a copy of your dieter-friendly recipe. Exchanging healthy recipes is a great way to collaborate with your weight loss buddies.
Your weight loss meetings should be a forum for you and the other members to both vent your frustrations and celebrate your achievements. However, in order to maintain some structure so that there is a distinction between “hanging out” and being at a weight-loss support meeting, you should make a couple of parameters for your group. First of all, only one person should talk at once. Whoever “has the floor” should either stand or hold an object that signifies the speaker, such as a red scarf or a stuffed animal. Also, at the start of each meeting, have your official “weigh-in” for the week. If a member wishes to keep his or her weight private, that is fine. However, everyone should be open to the concept of discussing how many pounds have been lost or gained since the last weight-in. After your weigh-in, sit in a circle and go around to each person, allowing everyone a chance to talk about their progress, pitfalls, and feelings as they journey toward weight loss. Always allow for at least thirty minutes of casual mingling after the formal meeting, so that you and the members can connect with each other as supportive friends and comrades.
