People dealing with health issues find solace and inspiration in accountability support groups by having the chance to hear from others sailing in the same boat.
Why Online Groups Work
One of the main reasons behind increasing number of on-line weight loss support groups is the accessibility that allows women to tackle their fitness goals in the comfort of their own home and in ways that work best for them, without feeling the pressure of others around them.
Also, people find it easy to share their weight issues with other members of the online group without the fear of being judged.
Lastly, is the accountability part. Most people know what it takes to be healthy; they just sometimes struggle to DO it.
While there’s value in consulting with a trainer or dietitian in person, it’s undeniably helpful to get answers and support on demand when you really need them.
Weight Loss Support Groups
WW:
Also known as Weight Watchers, allows members to choose from a variety of foods that are assigned points and then calculate the calories for each.
It also offers a digital support community via WW connect where members can share tips, recipes and more. This helps bridge the gap between in person meetings. WW charges $13/month for digital classes and $23/month for both digital and in person)
TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly):
Tops meetings are offered both in-person and virtually, providing flexibility for you to choose the format that appeals most.
In person meetings begin with a private weigh in followed by 30-60 minutes of time dedicated solely to solving your weight loss challenges and learning about health topics like nutrition, exercise routines, or how stress affects body weight.
One of the biggest advantages of TOPS is that it’s not expensive. It costs around $32/year for joining)
Omada:
Omada has created a nifty, digital company that combines technology and behavioural change counselling to offer people remote access to health coaches. Once you are accepted into an Omada program, your support group is set up within about two weeks of joining the company. The cost of the program may be fully covered by certain employers or health plans, but if not, they currently offer a self-pay option that starts at $140 per month but only costs around $20 after the first four months.
Social Media Group
Three points you need to keep in mind before joining a social media group, accessibility, community support, and the likelihood that evidence-based information would be provided.
Tame Your Appetite Facebook Support Group:
Link: https://www.facebook.com/TAMEAppetite/
If you are a frustrated dieter who is tired of losing and regaining the same weight and who wants to lose weight and keep it off without ever going on a diet again, willing to do whatever it takes, even if that means that you “put the food down” when you are not hungry, and, are open to exploring a new approach which embraces, mindfulness, mindful meditation and mindful eating skills to managing your emotions without using food to cope this group is for you!
Dr. Sheila Forman, one of the first qualified Mindfulness-Based Eating Awareness Training (MB-EAT) Instructors in the world. She started TAME Your Appetite: The Art of Mindful Eating programs. Whether you choose to learn this approach to weight management through a live workshop, online course or coaching calls, she looks forward to sharing with you that she has learned, so you can go from mindless munching and emotional eating to peace with food and mindful habits.
Besides, you can start a Facebook group on your own. For example, if you and a few friends are all trying to lose weight at the same time, having a private, online space to share recipe ideas, workouts, and achievements can be valuable.