Each New Year, countless people commit to losing weight. However, studies have shown that your family can significantly impact your weight-loss journey, often leading to negative outcomes. One of the main issues, according to researchers at Renison University College at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, is that family members can be critical of others for having extra weight. This can result in even more weight gain and undermine any attempts to slim down. Therefore, it’s essential to let your family know not to criticize your weight.
The Effects of Negative Messages
Christine Logel, a researcher who teaches social development studies, notes that when individuals feel bad about their bodies, they lean on loved ones for support and guidance. These loved ones’ responses have a more significant impact on the individual’s weight journey than they might realize. Logel’s research found that women who were told their weight was not a problem (called “acceptance messages”) had an easier time maintaining or losing weight than those who received negative messages.
The study focused on women in their 20s—a demographic often dissatisfied with their weight—and surveyed them on their feelings about their weight and body. In the following months, they were surveyed again regarding any changes in their weight, what their families mentioned about their weight, and their reactions.
Logel pointed out, “On average, the women in the study were at the high end of Health Canada’s BMI (body mass index) recommendations, so the healthiest thing is for them to maintain the weight they have and not be so hard on themselves.” Most of the surveyed women were still concerned with their weight and frequently discussed it with their loved ones.
The Impact of Positive Messages
The study’s findings revealed that women who received negative messages from their families and partners gained approximately 4.5 pounds on average, while those with positive messages lost roughly a pound.
This highlights the importance of family acceptance when you’re worried about your weight. If your family accepts you as you are, you’ll have a much easier time maintaining or losing weight.
Logel emphasizes that “lots of research finds that social support improves our health. An important part of social support is feeling that our loved ones accept us just the way we are.”
Strategies for Overcoming Family Sabotage
Here are some tips for dealing with family members who may be sabotaging your weight-loss goals:
- Open communication: Express your concerns and let your loved ones know how their actions or comments make you feel. Explain your weight-loss goals, why they are important to you, and how they can support you in achieving them.
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Establish boundaries: Communicate clearly and firmly which comments or behaviors you find hurtful or unhelpful. Set boundaries for discussions about your weight, and ask your family members to respect them.
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Seek support elsewhere: If your family is unable or unwilling to provide the support you need, consider joining a weight-loss group or finding an online community where you can connect with others who share your goals and experiences.
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Stay committed: Stay focused on your reasons for wanting to lose weight, and remind yourself that achieving your goals is essential for your health and well-being, regardless of others’ opinions.
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Celebrate your victories: Regardless of your family’s support or lack thereof, make sure to celebrate your progress and reward yourself for reaching milestones in your weight-loss journey.
By keeping these strategies in mind, you can overcome the challenges of unsupportive family members and stay committed to your weight-loss goals. As you embark on your journey towards better health, remember that a supportive network of loving and accepting individuals can make all the difference.
