Have you ever heard of the saying, “You are the company you keep”? Turns out, this might be applicable in your weight loss journey. Studies have shown that having friends with healthy lifestyles and healthy body weight can help lower your odds of gaining weight.
Peer Pressure and Weight Management
In a study conducted with high school students at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, they found that students were more likely to gain weight if they had friends who were heavier than they were. On the other hand, the students were more likely to slim down (or gain weight at a slower pace) if their friends were leaner than they were.
The research also revealed that the students’ social circles influenced their level of physical activity, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face friendships over digital ones.
According to researcher David Shoham, these findings can help create better interventions to prevent obesity in youths.
So, how can you use this information to not just win friends but also lose weight?
Make Health-Conscious Friends
It’s important to surround yourself with people who share the same healthy lifestyle you wish to adopt. By making friends who prioritize their health and well-being, their habits and mindset will rub off on you.
Look for people who love to exercise regularly, try out new activities, or share recipes for nutritious meals. Join a local fitness class, sports league, or participate in community health events as a way to meet like-minded individuals. This can provide you with extra motivation, encouragement, and accountability for your fitness journey.
Maintain Your Motivation
Weight loss requires motivation and self-discipline. Having friends who are thinner or more active can encourage you to adopt their habits in a conscious or subconscious manner. By hanging out with these friends, you will be surrounding yourself with a support system that sets a good example and helps you stay on track.
It is not about trying to be better than your friends; instead, it’s about having friends who understand your goals and struggles, so they can share tips and advice that speed up your weight loss journey.
Participate in Activities
Another way to win friends and lose weight is to participate in social activities that promote a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s a group fitness class at the gym, a hike with your friends, or a friendly game of soccer at the park, these activities not only help you bond with your friends but also ensure you stay fit and healthy while having fun.
Engaging in physical activities with your friends is not only entertaining, but it also allows you to hold each other accountable while working toward a common goal.
Be Aware of Social Pressure
While social pressure can be positive in promoting healthy habits, it can also work against you if you let it. Going to parties, family gatherings, or out to eat with friends can sometimes lead to indulging in unhealthy foods or excessive portion sizes.
One way to minimize the effect of social pressure is by controlling your environment. You can suggest healthier eating places when meeting up with friends for dinner, and if attending parties, bring healthy dishes to share with others. This way, you can still enjoy social events without compromising your healthy lifestyle.
By surrounding yourself with friends who promote a healthy lifestyle, your weight loss journey becomes easier and more enjoyable. However, remember that you should never rely on others alone when it comes to your health goals. It’s essential to cultivate self-discipline and motivation within yourself to stay committed to your weight loss journey, regardless of the company you keep.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the key to winning friends and losing weight is to be mindful of your surroundings and build healthier relationships with like-minded individuals. Focus on creating a supportive network of friends who encourage you to live a happier, healthier life, while doing the same for them in return.
It’s important to remember that losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are not solely dependent on the company you keep. Stay dedicated to your goals, and you’ll soon see the positive changes you’ve been working toward, both in your physical appearance and your overall well-being.
