Outreach Ministries: Weight Loss Support Group

Weight loss can be a long a difficult road. People who attempt to go it alone often give up in frustration. Help them reach their goal by starting a support group. Below are some things to consider when starting such a program:

Accessibility

Set up two meeting times a week, one during the workweek and one on the weekend. Group members will be asked to attend at the time that is most convenient for them. Such flexibility makes attending meetings more appealing.

Appearance

People struggling with their weight often feel ostracized by those who aren’t. Your group leader should not be an aerobics instructor or body builder. Support groups are about relating to each other’s problems. Ideally, your group leader should be someone who has fought his or her own weight loss battle in the past.

Introduction and Discussion

At the first meeting, have all your group members introduce themselves and list one thing that they currently like about their body. Overweight people frequently have self-esteem issues that need to be addressed. Give each member a journal to record their weekly struggles and successes. Possible Discussion Topics Include:

Goals- Setting reasonable goals for weight loss, based on health, not fashion.
Pitfalls- Common dieting mistakes and how to avoid them
Dealing with Setback-Learn not to get frustrated at weight plateaus or occasional lapses.
Exercise- How to incorporate a regular routine into the workweek
Cooking-Learn to prepare healthy meals for your new way of life.
Special Circumstances- How to handle dieting at a restaurant, party, and during the holidays.

Weekly Weigh In’s

This may seem like a harsh thing to do at first, but ultimately the goal is to help group members lose weight. The key here is to celebrate any loss and refrain from criticizing those who maintain or gain weight.

Acceptance

Ultimately, your support group should help its members become comfortable in their own bodies again. Not only through weight loss but an improved mental body image and self-esteem.

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