Hello Teams!
For those of you posting in your threads for the weekly bonus, thank you!!
It really is great to see people reconnecting and helping motivate one another. The purpose of posting was to strengthen and build our support network with our teammates so that we will all achieve better results.
It has come to my attention that “some” people think my bonus challenge this week is “lame” and provides no “health bonus.” It saddens me to hear this, and is also very frustrating.
So, in order to hopefully educate the non-believers, here is some information regarding why it is important to have a support structure....
"
Having a support structure is vital to losing weight. A recent clinical study by Brown University found that dieters who have a structured support program and network were three times more likely to lose weight than those who went at it alone. Success was primarily due to the support from the network that a dieter normally could not provide. Benefits of having a support network can be encouragement to maintain a positive mental attitude, motivation, accountability, and professional know-how."
The Benefits of a Supportive Environment
Science Center
Support plays a significant role in an individual's food choices as well as levels of physical activity.
SEPTEMBER, 2005—
Establishing a support network at the beginning of a weight-loss effort and keeping it strong to maintain lasting weight loss is important for long-term success.
Weight Loss Needs Positive Reinforcement
Losing weight can be stressful, while getting support during the weight-loss process may help relieve some of the stress. This was the finding of a study in which two groups of overweight women followed a weight-loss diet. One of the groups was in a program that included support and the other was not.
The researchers found that the group that did not receive support had higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that the body makes more of during times of stress. This group also experienced a decrease in their abilities to pay attention and to perform tasks, two areas of mental functioning that tend to decrease during periods of stress.
The group that included support did not have any of these problems.
Important behaviors that are needed for weight loss, such as controlling portions, being physically active and making wise food choices, are more likely to be done if there is a supportive atmosphere. For example, in a study of women trying to lose weight, their ability to control their eating and choose lower-calorie foods was improved when they got support.
Involve Partners
Not surprisingly, there is a connection between spouses and body weight because couples tend to eat meals together and share a common food environment.3 Working together to support weight loss makes a difference. Studies have found that when husbands or wives were involved with their partners' weight-control efforts, their support was found to be beneficial.
Encouraging Physical Activity
When it comes to physical activity, support is just as important as it is for food selection. Both family and friends can provide support that boosts trying different types of exercise, including leisure-time activity and participation in sports. Researchers who studied different groups of women found that the physical activity levels of some participants were boosted by the support of friends. In others, getting family support had a positive impact on the women's sport-related activities. In men, the support of both family and friends was seen to increase sports participation.
Sustaining Weight Loss
Ongoing social support from family and friends, as well as other sources, may help to sustain weight-loss efforts. Research shows that in the case of programs that provide either in-person weight-loss support or Internet motivation, both help to maintain weight loss.
In creating support for weight loss and weight-loss maintenance, the bottom line is: Don't go it alone.