Losing weight can come with countless benefits, such as better overall health, increased self-esteem, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, there’s a unique problem that sometimes occurs during your weight-loss journey that you might not have considered: losing friends along the way.
A study conducted by researchers from Stanford, the University of Texas at Austin, Peking University, and California State University, Northridge, demonstrates that as people lose weight, they may also lose a few of their friends. In particular, changes in body shape can have a negative impact on relationships with other people who are also trying to lose weight.
The changing nature of weight loss support
The study found that when consumers begin working toward a goal like weight loss, they often feel uncertain about their path and gravitate toward others who are at a similar stage in their journey. Members of weight loss support groups pass on helpful information, cheer each other on, and build a sense of camaraderie. However, as individuals progress and come closer to reaching their goals, the dynamics change. People start to feel more certain about their achievements, feel less need for support, and consequently, they may become distant from others in their support network.
To better understand this phenomenon, the investigators examined interactions in support group meetings as part of Weight Watchers. They interviewed members and found that when people were in the initial stages of weight loss, they experienced close camaraderie with other group members and were eager to help others find effective ways to lose weight.
From friendly to distant
As support group members continued to lose weight and approached their ultimate goals, their willingness to share information and experiences declined. Only about 21% of the weight watchers members were willing to openly discuss their eating and weight issues with other people as they got closer to achieving their weight-loss goals.
The researchers concluded, “As consumers move from the early stages of pursuing a goal to a more advanced stage, they change from being friendly to decidedly distant. And the more consumers distance themselves from others with similar goals, the more likely they are to feel disengaged and even give up on their goals entirely.”
Managing relationships during weight loss
To help ensure your weight loss journey doesn’t lead to losing friendships in the process, consider the following tips:
- Maintain open communication: Discuss what you’re going through with your friends and loved ones. Share your emotions, feelings, and challenges to move past potential social barriers. Additionally, maintain an open conversation with other people in your circle who are also working on weight loss to foster mutual support and understanding.
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Show empathy: Comprehend that everyone’s journey is different. Your friends may be going through their struggles and could use some understanding and compassion. Be supportive and encourage others to share their experiences.
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Celebrate achievements together: As you reach a goal or milestone in your weight loss journey, celebrate the achievement with your friends, family, and fellow support group members. This encourages camaraderie and mutual feelings of success.
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Be patient: Weight loss is a long process, and everyone goes through ups and downs. Don’t judge others based on their progress or lack thereof. Keep in mind that setbacks are a normal part of the journey, and being patient with both yourself and others is crucial.
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Find common ground: You and your friends may follow different approaches to weight loss. Avoid arguments or criticism about each other’s methods; instead, focus on shared goals and offer support where it’s needed most.
While losing weight can have some unintended social consequences, being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking steps to maintain the sense of camaraderie that’s been built can help ensure your friendships stay strong throughout your weight-loss journey. Ultimately, it’s essential to support one another and remain flexible and understanding as you all progress toward your health and wellness goals.
