How Many Weight Buddies Are Too Many?

Florida State University wants to know how the size of a weight loss support group affects potential weight loss efforts and so do we. According to study details, participants will be placed in one of two groups - 10 members and 30 members. The idea is to gauge the difference in weight loss maintenance during a six to 12 month period. The study is in the recruiting stages and plans to acquire at least 70 participants for study.

Why is a Buddy so Important to Weight Loss?

Having a buddy during any weight loss or weight maintenance program is important due to the mental struggles some dieters experience. Losing weight is a difficult process, but one that can be achieved and maintained with a strong support system. According to Adam Shafran DC via WebMD, "Most people put all their effort into finding the right diet or exercise program but don't put any energy into creating a support and accountability system, and too often, that's where the devil lies." It is clear having a weight loss buddy is important, but what about having too many?

How Many is Too Many Buddies?

Weight loss is a personal struggle and journey that may be filled with self-doubt, emotional mountains, and food cravings. If you surround yourself with many buddies, it may be easier to get lost in the crowd. Take online weight loss forums, for instance, these weight loss groups are responsible for helping hundreds and thousands of people lose weight, but what about those that were never really noticed at all. Large groups of people make it easier to slide out of the group when weight loss becomes too hard or too overbearing. Florida State University expects "participants assigned to a small group will exhibit similar short-term and long-term weight losses...as compared to those assigned to a large group", but that may be the opposite outcome they reveal during the 12 months of research.

How to Choose the Right Buddy (Even in Numbers)

If a group buddy system is best, try choosing people with whom you are personally attached. The closer group members are, the less likely they will be to lose track of one or more participants. People you are exposed to everyday either in person or by phone are perfect. There also needs to be a careful balance of wills. Some members should be strong willed and others silent CEOs there to listen and make things happen. Too many chiefs and the group can be more stressful than helpful.

"Impact of Group Size in Weight Loss Interventions - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov." Home - ClinicalTrials.gov. Florida State University, 16 July 2010. Web. 24 July 2010.

Bouchez, Coulette. "Benefits of Finding a Diet Buddy." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 24 July 2010.