Newswise — A recent research conducted at the University of Surrey indicates that your weight loss journey might encounter interference from your family and close companions. This study adds to the mounting evidence that highlights how not all forms of social support lead to beneficial effects on health.
Upon reviewing the existing literature, scholars have uncovered the adverse aspects of social support, specifically in the context of weight loss. Sabotage, feeding behavior, and collusion have emerged as negative manifestations that impede the progress of individuals striving to shed pounds. The team from the University of Surrey discovered that acts of sabotage, such as discouraging healthy eating and creating obstacles to attending support groups, frequently eroded an individual's confidence and self-esteem, ultimately hampering their weight loss efforts.
Jane Ogden, Professor of Health Psychology and lead author of the study from the University of Surrey, said:
The process of weight loss frequently brings about transformations, ranging from an increase in personal confidence to shifts in social dynamics within relationships. However, these changes may not be embraced by everyone, and individuals may consciously or unconsciously attempt to hinder someone's weight loss journey in order to maintain the status quo.
Further exploration of this field is crucial in order to develop interventions that can effectively target family and friends, aiding them in becoming more supportive towards their loved ones' weight loss endeavors. Such interventions have the potential to enhance the overall support system and facilitate the achievement of weight loss goals among individuals.
In close association with sabotage, researchers have identified a detrimental form of social support known as "being a feeder." Despite being commonly motivated by love or as a display of affluence and prestige, deliberately offering food to someone when they are not hungry or attempting to consume fewer calories can have negative consequences for weight management. The act of being a feeder, although well-intentioned, can undermine an individual's efforts to manage their weight effectively.
Interestingly, researchers have also identified collusion as another form of negative social support, despite its association with kindness and friendship. Through the analysis of various studies, researchers have discovered instances where family members, friends, and partners collude with individuals attempting to lose weight by "going along" with behaviors that do not align with their weight loss goals. This collusion, although seemingly supportive, can hinder the progress of weight loss efforts by enabling behaviors that are counterproductive to achieving the desired outcomes.
Professor Ogden added:
Individuals embark on weight loss journeys for various reasons, whether it be to improve their overall health or enhance their self-perception. The support of friends and family can play a crucial role in aiding individuals to achieve their weight loss goals. However, at times, those closest to them unintentionally hinder their progress by tempting them with unhealthy food choices or acting as barriers to adopting a healthier lifestyle. Recognizing and addressing these challenges can be essential in ensuring a supportive environment that promotes positive changes in individuals seeking weight loss.
This research was published in Current Obesity Reports.
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