Benefits of Weight Loss Support Groups

As we all know, weight loss is difficult. Also, we all know that as we age it gets more difficult, especially for women. This is because of hormone changes and the effects of menopause. Life situations and our basic personality also can contribute to weight gain or excessive loss (anorexia). There are movie stars who have experienced such weight loss that some of us worry about their health. One movie star recently lost a child and is now only 94lbs and still losing. Some women, such as myself, react to stress just the opposite. I tend to gain weight, in reaction to stress. Women who have gone through stresses such as divorce can experience weight gain. Thus losing weight, for some, is a major problem and it is not always a result of hunger.

So, just what very well could help these particular people (both men and women) for whom a drug to reduce (physical) hunger does absolutely no good? Counseling, is one possible solution, if one could afford the $50-$100/hour sessions of a good therapist or life coach. Fat farms and other techniques where one is literally forced to exercise and watch their weight have helped, but only temporarily. So, just where does one go in order to get help in losing weight?

What about a group of friends, either in person or online? What about getting together with a group of other women who have the very same problem? This can be done in person, in your own community, or in an online forum or social network. This has helped several women. The group provides encouragement, motivation in the form of reminders some thing like "you wanted to do it for this reason, remember?". It can also draw people closer together into close friendships, either via email, IM and possibly even in person.

This is just one suggestion to those who find that they are not able to do this on their own. You can start your own support group in your local community in a church, or community center or online. You can start with one weight loss plan that the whole group agrees on or do this individually only coming together in order to check in and get further encouragement and help. There are several groups like this already, but those groups cost money in weekly or monthly fees. However if you could get together with some friends and find some other way to make it free then it could be as inexpensive and as fun as you would like. This could also be the way to prevent excess weight gain during the upcoming holidays.