In the spring of 2005, after four pregnancies, Julie Marsh weighed 240 pounds. “I wasn’t happy with myself,” she told Health magazine in April 2007. Inspired by her sister Cathy Andrew, who had resolved to lose weight in 2005, the sisters joined forces in dieting and exercising and had better success.
Research shows that dieters are more likely to change their ways if they feel they have the support of family, a close friend, or a coworker. It worked for this sister team: Along with eating more vegetables and smaller portions, they lifted weights three times a week and went on four to five mile walks at least four days a week. The workout buddies even tried activities they wouldn’t have done alone, like yoga and badminton. A year later, Julie had lost 85 pounds, and her sister had shed 105—a whopping 190 pounds of combined success.
Here are some tips for getting friends and family to support your desire to lose weight:
- Be up-front. Let friends and family know you’re making changes in your eating habits. It may stop loved ones from offering you foods you’re trying to avoid and encourage healthy cooking at group events. Asking them for help also adds accountability.
- Buddy up. The fact is, two-thirds of American adults are overweight and, chances are, you have friends or coworkers who may be interested in changing their eating behavior as well. Research shows that when one person slims down, those around him or her are more likely to lose, according to a 2007 study by researchers at Harvard Medical School and the University of California, San Diego.
- Start small. If you’re worried about food pushers, make small, less noticeable changes instead of obvious ones. It will help you ease into weight loss and avoid unwanted attention. For example, at the next family dinner, use a salad plate when you go through the buffet. Chances are, no one will notice your little switch, and you’ll be consuming less food.
Comments (3)
The assumption that your family can help you diet is not always correct, in fact, it might even make things worse. A jealous sibling may try to undermine you if the pounds start coming off, spouses can feel insecure with a partner’s weight loss, and older parents living with a single adult child may see feeding them as a way to be needed AND as a method of socially insulating the child to prevent losing that child to dates, friends, and other events that take time and attention away from the elderly parent. Talking is pointless. Everyone thinks they know better than you what is your best weight, best food, etc. Only in the matters of weight do people feel free to express so many personal comments or criticisms. Best advice: Keep your plans to yourself to avoid sabotage.
C.M. Taylor,
It might be that you are concerned about sabotage that leads you to believe this or ir may be that those you know are unsupportive but the idea of having someone to help you out is great, contrary to what you said. Having that net of support gets a lot of people through it. It is lack of support that can cause a diet to fail, if my parents hadnt known I was dieting they wouldnt have modified meals or made less fattening desserts for me on special occasions. If they really are jealous or selfish enough to hurt you when you are trying to get healthier and happier then these are not the people that you should be surrounding yourself with, and from the sounds of it could be the reason for being overwieght in the first place. Get support, and if those around you arent willing to help you be healthy and happy then these are NOT the people you should have in your life. Parents should be supportive, spouses should be caring, and single parents should want their children to be happy enough to grow up confident and maybe not end up single. If your spouse isnt there to lend a hand and are insecure your relationship may not be as strong as you had thought. Losing weight can make you happier, healthier and more confident. GO FOR IT! If the people in your life arent there to support you find a gym or an online site meant to help people out. You wont know if they support you until you ask, so ask em, and if they do put up a front then do it for yourself, show them you can do it and be a better you, if they dont learn from you and your example then too bad for them. You’ll be avoiding disease and living a longer, happier life.
If you need support or want some help send me a reply and I’ll give ya my email.
My sister and I agreed yesterday to start our diet together. Thanks for your article and encouragement.