Fans of NBC's The Biggest Loser may want to take notes if they are planning to start a weight loss program. According to a new study, the reality show's team-based approach may have real world results. Researchers at Brown University set up a 12-week Biggest Loser style weight loss challenge in Rhode Island to see if dieters were affected by social influence and team mentality. Their results indicate that the team-based approach to weight loss is effective.
Weight Loss May Be Contagious
Study results indicate that weight loss seemed to be contagious. Significant weight loss, defined as losing 5% of total body weight, tended to cluster within groups. Put simply, if a participant's teammates lost a significant amount of weight, then they were likely to lose a significant amount of weight as well.
How to Get Weight Loss Help from Friends
If you have plenty of friends who are trying to lose weight, you may be able to set up a Biggest Loser style weight loss challenge of your own. But what if you are a solo dieter? There are many ways in which your friends, coworkers and family members may affect your ability to lose weight. Learn how to use your social connections to make your weight loss program successful.
- How to Get Social Support from Family and Friends
- Get Past Weight Loss Barriers in Your Social Environment
- Your Dinner Date May Affect Your Diet
- People-Pleasers Overeat in Social Situations
Remember to reach out to friends and family if you need weight loss support. And use online resources as well! The Weight Loss Forum at About.com is a great place to set up a weight loss journal. And remember to connect with About.com Weight Loss on Facebook and Twitter to ask questions, submit comments about hot topics or get weight loss tips and diet recipes.
