
Losing weight can be hard, really hard. And it’s often something we attempt on our own for various reasons. People can feel shame or discomfort admitting or sharing with others that they’re trying to lose weight. While the body positivity movement has added tremendous value, it’s also made us question whether it’s okay to admit aloud or share if we desire to lose weight. I’m here to tell you that unless you are underweight or have a condition or situation where it would not benefit you, it is okay to want to lose weight. And going at it alone could be what’s making it a lot harder! In this post, I’ll share why being part of a supportive group can make all the difference in your weight loss journey.
Accountability and Motivation
Accountability is one of the most significant benefits of being part of a community. When you share your goals with others, you are more likely to stay committed—knowing that someone else is aware of your targets and progress can be incredibly motivating. Regular check-ins help keep you on track and push you to continue, even on days when your motivation wanes. That’s why I drop an accountability post each week for all members of The Collective, my monthly membership, to rate their past week, share successes and challenges, and set one goal for the week ahead. Many people hire coaches just for accountability alone! Being in a group-based program can be an affordable alternative that provides similar accountability.
Support and Encouragement
Weight loss journeys are filled with plenty of ups and downs. I can remember many points along the way where I considered giving up when I was going at it alone! A supportive community means you have people who understand your struggles and can offer encouragement when needed. They can celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and offer empathy and advice during challenging times. This support can be crucial in maintaining a positive mindset and continuing your efforts, especially if your loved ones don’t support your weight loss goals. And yes, you can lose weight and keep it off even if your partners and loved ones aren’t supportive!
Shared Knowledge and Resources
Being part of a community gives you access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. The group leader and members can share their experiences, tips, and strategies that have worked for them. This collective wisdom can help you discover new approaches to nutrition, workouts, and lifestyle changes you might have yet to consider. From meal planning ideas to effective workout routines, a community can provide valuable insights. One of my favorite parts of The Collective is seeing members replying to each other’s comments and messages in the chat before I do!
Healthy Competition
A little friendly competition can be a great motivator. Being part of a group where others work towards similar goals can inspire you to push yourself harder. Challenges and group activities can make the process more enjoyable and give you an extra reason to stay focused. I love running a few challenges and special programs in The Collective throughout the year just for this reason!
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Weight loss isn’t just about physical changes; it’s also a mental and emotional journey! Anyone can lose weight, but to keep it off, you must dive into your identity and the stories you tell yourself and build consistent daily habits supporting your new lifestyle. A community can provide a safe space to discuss the emotional aspects of weight loss, such as body image issues, self-esteem, and stress management. Sharing your feelings with others who understand can be therapeutic and help you develop a healthier relationship with food and your body.
Inspiration and Role Models
Seeing the success of others can be incredibly inspiring. When you see community members achieving their goals, it reinforces the idea that weight loss is possible. These success stories can serve as role models, showing you what is achievable with dedication and effort. They can inspire you to keep going, even when progress seems slow.
Building Long-Term Habits
Weight loss is not just about reaching a specific number on the scale; it’s about adopting a healthier lifestyle for the long term. A community can help you build and maintain healthy habits. The ongoing support and encouragement from group members can reinforce positive behaviors and help you avoid old habits that led to weight gain in the first place.
Access to Professional Guidance
Any reputable community will have some professional guidance. Members of The Collective connect directly with me during weekly live office hours and monthly workshops. I help members navigate the complexities of weight loss and get recommendations and support to ensure they follow a safe and effective plan. I answer any questions that come up along the way when they feel confused about what to do or who to believe with all the conflicting messages they hear online!
Increased Enjoyment and Fun
Let’s face it—losing weight can sometimes feel like a chore. Being part of a community can make the process more enjoyable. Group activities, challenges, and social events can add fun to your weight loss journey. Enjoying the process increases your likelihood of sticking with it and making lasting changes. The best way to guarantee you keep doing something consistently is to make sure it’s fun. That’s what will keep you coming back and showing up each day!
The power of community in weight loss cannot be overstated. From providing accountability and support to sharing knowledge and inspiration, being part of a group can make your journey easier and more enjoyable. If you’re struggling to lose weight or maintain your progress, consider joining a community. The connections you make and the support you receive can be the key to achieving your goals and sustaining a healthier lifestyle.
And if you’re ready to experience the power of community in your weight loss journey?
Join the Collective! Your home for all things fitness & health for $59/month.
- Workout Programming with Video Demonstrations: Save time & build confidence by knowing exactly what to do.
- Personalized Form Feedback: Gain comfort with your lifts at home or in the gym.
- Live Weekly Office Hours: Get your questions answered and clarify all the noise you hear about fitness and nutrition online.
- Access to Group Posts: Weekly topics to drive support and accountability.
- Meal Planning/Prep Tools: Planning spreadsheets, habit trackers, grocery lists – know exactly what to do to see results.
- Bite Sized Trainings: A library of mini-lessons you can watch or listen to at your own pace that will be the motivation you need. Including Map Your Macros, where you’ll learn how to calculate and adjust your custom macros to support your weight loss goals.