Table Of Content

Finding the right support group may help you reach your weight loss goals. You can join local peer support groups, clinic-based groups, forums, or even start your own group.

When you join a support group, whether in-person or online, you can share tips on diet and exercise, find an exercise buddy, and discuss your hurdles and successes.

Support groups can also help improve your mental health as you face any challenges with your new lifestyle.

One 2020 study found that those who participated in groups were more likely to attain weight loss of at least five percent of total body mass after 12 months compared to those who did not.

Keep reading to learn about seven places you can find the help you need during your weight loss journey.

You can search Meetup.com for weight loss or group fitness training. Another option is to search for support groups on Facebook and narrow down your results by location.

You can also try Overeaters Anonymous (OA), which allows you to search for local meetings that can help you overcome eating and dietary challenges.

These meetings may be held at local hospitals and can include medical professionals who can answer your questions. OA provides access to meetings in 75 countries.

You may also want to check out a virtual option called The Obesity Action Coalition, which also maintains a list of in-person support groups by state.

Another option is to join small weight loss groups at universities or medical centers.

Psychologists, nutritionists, or other weight loss professionals often run these clinic-based support groups. Over the course of several weeks or months, you’ll get personalized attention to help design a new healthy lifestyle.

In addition, you can ask your physician or call local universities, hospitals, or clinics for a referral. Many of these support groups may also have a virtual option.

An option that doesn’t require in-person meetings involves online support forums. Most forums offer a safe place for members to share stories, create diet and exercise plans, and seek motivation.

Some forums include:

Keep in mind that many of the people on these forums aren’t medical professionals and may offer you inaccurate advice. You should always check with a doctor before starting a new diet plan or exercise program.

Weight loss apps can help you track your calorie intake and exercise. Many of them also offer support through social media connections and chat rooms.

For example, MyFitnessPal has a message forum where you can connect with other users to share tips and success stories.

The app for the wearable fitness sensor Fitbit also has strong community features. Once you purchase a Fitbit watch, you can connect with other friends and family who also have a Fitbit. You can participate in challenges with them and even find a local challenge with people you don’t know.

Another app known as FatSecret allows you to chat with others and create or join groups to connect with people who have similar goals.

With WW (formerly Weight Watchers), every membership level — including a basic membership — provides 24/7 online chat support and access to their digital community.

You can also access group meetings or receive one-on-one support from a coach for an additional cost.

If your doctor suggests bariatric surgery, it’s important to be able to talk with others who are going through the same changes as you.

Ask your bariatric surgery center for a referral to a bariatric surgery group or try searching on Facebook or Meetup.com for a bariatric surgery group nearby.

These groups are often open to people who have undergone weight loss surgery, as well as those who are considering the procedure. Friends and family may also be welcome to attend with you.

For example, American Bariatric is a forum where you can interact with people who have undergone or want to have bariatric surgery.

Local medical institutions may be particularly equipped to offer support groups specifically for bariatric surgery. There, you can also get the support and advice of medical professionals.

If things do not work out for you as planned, taking your own initiative can help you get what you want. Start your own support group and find participants who can give you the support that you need.

Some ways to start your own support group include:

  • Start a small support group with interested friends or family with whom you can exercise, plan meals, and keep each other accountable.
  • Start a group on Meetup or Facebook and make a post advertising for people to join.
  • Reach out to a weight loss organization in your area and ask if they have a support group. If not, volunteer to lead a support group.

How to start your own weight loss support group?

Once you’ve figured out the kind of support group you want to have and have recruited some participants, follow these tips to help make the group a success:

  • Decide on the focus: Consider these types of questions: Is it about general weight loss support? Is it about healthful eating? Is it about exercise? Is it about weight loss surgery?
  • Decide on the size: Online groups can be larger than in-person groups, but you may want to set a limit to make the group easier to manage.
  • Decide on the space: If you are holding an in-person support group, make sure you have a venue with sufficient space. If the meeting is virtual, make sure you and everyone participating has the necessary technological access.
  • Decide on the rules: What kind of discussion is going to take place? Make sure everyone knows what is allowed and what is not. In general, keep all conversation and rhetoric within the support, whether online or in-person, respectful and nonjudgmental.
  • Decide on the content: Having a support group does not have to mean just meeting with no agenda in mind. You can create an agenda for conversation, invite speakers, or organize special social events. Ask your group members to make suggestions.
  • Delegate: Running a support group can be time consuming. As for member volunteers who can take on some organizational roles to help keep the group going.

If you have overweight or obesity, one way to get started on your weight loss journey is to find a group of people to support you along the way. Friends, family, and even strangers can give you the motivation you need and the advice that’ll help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Online forums, in-person support groups, and social media apps can all help you through your weight loss journey. Consider your local medical clinics, universities, or hospitals for physician-led support groups.

In a time when many people prefer virtual meetings, many in-person meetings now offer an option to participate online. If you have time and interest, consider starting your own support group.