Social Support
Studies have shown that group-based weight loss programs that offer social support tend to be more effective than programs in which members participate individually (Rigsby, 2009) . |
Numerous other studies also conclude that participating in weight loss programs specifically with friends and/or family greatly improves weight loss results (Breton, 2011).
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Intervention Studies:
Many individuals face the issue of having friends and/or family who do not wish to participate in the program as well or who may altogether discourage their new healthy habits (Breton, 2011). Therefore, there it is important to create a way to facilitate peer support for these individuals.
The Future
With advances in technology, technology-based interventions have been addressed as a potential method. Internet health communities have the potential to offer new opportunities to share social support via discussion forums, chat rooms, and blogs (Hwang, 2009). Thus giving individuals access to many peers with the same health concerns, convenient communication spanning geographic distances, and anonymity (if desired) for discussion of sensitive issues.
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Additional Resources:
*Indicates old material
References:
Hurling, Robert. “Tweets, Apps, and Pods: Results of the 6-month Mobile Pounds Off Digitally (Mobile POD) Randomized Weight-Loss Intervention Among Adults”. JMed Internet Res.; 2011: 13:4:e120
Hwang, Kevin O, Ottenbacher, Allison J, Green, Angela P, Cannon-Diehl, M Roseann, Richardson, Oneka, Bernstam, Elmer V, Thomas, Eric J. Social Support in an Internet Weight Loss Community. International Jounral of Medical Informatics 2010;79:5-13.
Leahey, Tricia, Crane, Melissa M., Pinto, Angela Marinilli, Weinberg, Brad, Kumar, Rajiv, Wing, Rena R. Effect of Teammates on Changes in Physical Activity in a Statewide Campaign. Preventative Medicine. 2010: 51:1: 45-49.
Pellegrini, Christine A, Duncan, Jennifer M, Moller, Arlen C, Buscemi, Joanna, Sular, Alyson, Demott, Andrew, Pictor, Alexx, Pagoto, Sherry, Siddique, Juned, Spring, Bonnie. A Smartphone-supported Weight Loss Program: Design of the Engaged Randomized Controlled Trial. BMC Public Health 2012;12:1041.
Schiel, Ralf, Kaps, Alexander, Bieber, Gerald. “Electronic Health Technology for the Assessment of Phyiscal Activity and Eating Habits in
Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity IDA”. Appetite 2012; 58:2:432-437.
Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity IDA”. Appetite 2012; 58:2:432-437.
Spring, B, Duncan, JM, Janke, EA, Kozak, At, McFadden, HG, DeMott, A, et al. “Integrating Technology Into Standard Weight Loss Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. JAMA Intern Med 2013; 173:2:105-111.
Tate, Deborah, Wing, Rena, Winett, Richard. “Using Internet Technology To Deliver A Behavioral Weight Loss Program.” American Medical Association 2001: 295: 9:1172-1177.