For years, proponents of successful weight loss programs have produced study after study showing that people using organized programs such as Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, or many online weight loss support groups are more beneficial on the whole than those that do not. Many wonder why this is the case and cringe at the thought of weekly meetings or weigh-ins. Many people wanting to shed a few pounds are frightened at the possibility of coming out in a group of strangers and discussing a sensitive subject – their current weight and future weight loss goals. There are many benefits to a structured program for weight loss.
Better health
Weight loss fad diets are all around. These may work in the short term, but after you have spent ninety days eating only grapes (or whatever food is the current fad diet miracle food) and go back to a norma diet, the scale will creep back up again. Losing weight and keeping the scale at your target weight involves creating better habits and changing how you feel about food, your body, fitness and your weight. The habits that caused you to gain weight should be replaced with those that can help you lose weight. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables and increasing your daily water intake are perfect examples of healthy habits. Structured programs are great ways to establish those habits and take a proven system and put it into action in your life, rather than re-inventing the wheel, so to speak.
More support
Our society has put a stigma on being overweight, much like the stigmas formerly clouding breast cancer or impotence. These were just topics which were not discussed. Through the courage of prominent individuals, these medical conditions are well out in the open today. Being overweight is a social stigma. Many people are judged by their current weight. This is short sighted of the person who doe sthe judging and hurtful to those being judged. Although many people would prefer not to share their weight loss goals with others, there is a real support to being able to assist others in achieving their goals and in turn receiving encouraging words from others.
Ability to see progress and to celebrate success
Many people become frustrated in their weight loss goals and stop tracking their progress. There are many ways that you can track and monitor your success and to see what works best for you. One of these is to keep a fitness journal. This journal can be done online, with apps for your phone or even take the form of a spiral notebook. You need to find the best solution for you. Tracking your daily exercise, food and water intake can help you to see patterns that are helpful in keeping you on track for your weight loss goals.
