The camaraderie, the support, the competition: Weight loss groups, such as Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous, can be a great way to stay motivated in your quest to be healthy and svelte.
But weight warriors, as we know, come in all personalities. Some are social butterflies; others prefer going solo. So before you sign up, consider the pros and cons of joining a group.
First, the pros:
- Being among others struggling with the same issue can help you feel not so alone.
- Sometimes groups can come together and think of new ideas.
- Feeling understood provides a psychological boost.
- If you falter, the group is there to pick you up.
Sounds great, right? For some people, yes. But let’s take a look at potential cons:
- The competition in a group setting might distract you from your overall goal of managing your weight for a lifetime. Once the group scatters, so might your motivations.
- The group might move too fast or too slow for you.
- You may feel awkward discussing your weight issues in front of others.
- If you’re the kind of person who judges yourself harshly, you might be unable to face the group if you have a setback. Instead of continuing to participate and receive encouragement, you might drop out.
For lots more pros and cons about weight loss groups, and to learn the questions you should ask yourself before you sign up, click here.