Summary of Scientists Discovers That Family and Loved Ones May Be Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Journey:
A study from the University of Surrey has found that social support may sometimes hurt weight loss efforts. The researchers identified sabotage, overfeeding, and collaboration as negative social support hindering an individual’s weight loss journey. These behaviors can lead to low confidence and self-esteem, ultimately derailing weight loss attempts. The study highlights the need for interventions to promote more supportive behaviors among family and loved ones. Researchers suggest that further exploration is needed to develop effective interventions.
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1. Social support can sometimes manifest negatively as sabotage, fostering unhealthy eating habits, or collaboration, obstructing a person’s weight loss journey.
2. Acts of sabotage, discouraging healthy eating, and putting up barriers to attending support groups, often undermine an individual’s confidence and self-esteem, negatively impacting their attempts at weight loss.
3. ‘Being a feeder’ is a deadly form of social support. Although often done as a gesture of love or as a sign of wealth and status, researchers found that deliberately providing food when the person is not hungry or trying to eat less can be detrimental to weight management.
4. Collusion, often seen to reflect kindness and friendship, is a form of negative social support.
5. Support from friends and family can be invaluable in helping people achieve their goals; however, sometimes, those closest to them thwart their efforts.
Losing weight can be a challenging journey and is often made even more difficult by the actions of family and loved ones. According to a recent study from the University of Surrey, even those closest to you may unintentionally sabotage your weight loss efforts. But why is this the case, and what can you do?
Sabotage Comes in Many Forms
The study highlighted several types of social support that can undermine weight loss efforts. For example, friends and family may discourage healthy eating habits or put up barriers to attending support groups. These actions can be demoralizing, leading to a loss of confidence and self-esteem, which can negatively impact a person’s attempts at weight loss.
Being the Feeder
Another common form of negative social support identified in the study is ‘being the feeder.’ This term refers to individuals who offer food as a gesture of love or a sign of wealth and status without considering whether the individual wants or needs the food. This can be particularly problematic for those trying to manage their weight, as it may entail consuming more calories than they intended or considered necessary.
Colluding for Friendship
Collusion is another form of negative social support that researchers identified. This term refers to individuals who ‘go along’ with those trying to lose weight, even if that behavior is not in line with their weight loss goals. This may occur as a sign of friendship or kindness, but ultimately it can harm those trying to manage their weight.
Interventions are Needed
According to the study’s lead author, Jane Ogden, there is a need for interventions targeting family and friends to help them be more supportive of those trying to lose weight. This may involve education about the types of behaviors that can be harmful, as well as strategies for providing positive support aligned with an individual’s goals.
In conclusion, losing weight can be more challenging when friends and family unintentionally sabotage our efforts. By understanding the types of behaviors that can be harmful, however, we can take steps to mitigate their impact and achieve our goals. With the proper support, anyone can succeed on their weight loss journey.
