Looking to lose weight, live better and be healthier? Grab a coach, a mentor, a friend and you will be more likely to revel in success.
A new pilot study from the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center uncovered evidence that enlisting a coach improves weight loss results significantly. The study is small, but the successful results may be the launching point for a larger study. Forty-four participants were assigned a health coach – a fellow study participant or a behavioral specialist – and placed on a 24-week weight loss program. Participants lost an average of 9 percent of their starting body weight at the end of the program – a rather large success for any weight loss program.
Attempting to achieve weight loss or better health is a tough venture and, when times get tough, the first thing to slip is often those healthy habits. That’s why accountability from another person really works. Having someone there to pick you up when you fall or, better yet, keep you from falling can be the key to your success. A coach can offer strategies for success – and even if they aren’t there every moment – they will be the voice in your head telling you to succeed.
If you are looking for that jumpstart to a healthier life, a good place to start may be with an expert. The physicians of the BodyLogicMD network are sponsoring an opportunity for lucky winners to experience a year of wellness. It’s called The Wellness Project and it includes the opportunity to win a year of consultations and testing from a board-certified M.D. or D.O. Experts, who know what it takes to not only reach and maintain a healthy weight, but can help you grasp a strong foothold on your health and anti-aging techniques.
The study did find that peers can be equally as effective as a professional coach, even a peer who is also struggling with their weight. However Dr. John LaPuma commented to TIME Healthland, “Accountability is responsibility with teeth...so a spouse, partner, significant other is not usually the best coach, as that relationship is already pretty complicated, and weight is a touchy subject. ‘Teeth’ just means truthfulness here: if you plan to do something, and didn't - why not? Your coach should know, because you had to tell (her). So you can plan to do it next time.”
Maximize your success - enter The Wellness Project and nominate a friend too. Create an ideal team – an expert physician and a friend - to achieve successful weight management and a healthier life.
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