Do You Need a Diet Buddy?

Losing weight is hard, and like many challenges in life, weight loss can be made easier (not easy!) with some support. While we all understand the importance of eating less and moving more, the BIG unanswered question is: “What happens when you get tired of doing it?”

That’s when a diet buddy comes in. It’s the topic of a very interesting Today Show segment that involves two real life “diet buddies.” (Check back later for the video.)

Even the most motivated of us have some times where we struggle. Whether it’s getting out for a walk, or making better choices at a buffet, a good support system is key to getting through the tough times; a variety of scientific studies support this idea.

So, begin with identifying your own barriers to staying on track, and think about the kind of “buddy system” would best help you.

Here are a few qualities to look for in choosing the right kind of diet buddy for you (and you may have more than one buddy, or find it in a group!):

1. Someone with similar goals
2. Someone with similar amounts of weight to lose
3. Someone who enjoys the same kind of physical activities as you do
4. Someone you see often
5. Someone who enjoys similar non-eating activities as you (movies, knitting, etc…)

A recent study by Dr. Robert Kushner at Northwestern University found that your dog might be the best buddy of all. Those people dieting with their overweight pooches both lost weight, with the humans losing more weight than those who did not have a dog as a diet buddy. Now that’s an interesting study!

Whether you’re looking for a lot of support or just occasional support from a diet buddy is key to long term success.

Not feeling social? Consider right here on the Internet, where weight loss blogs can be a great support in the privacy of your home. Choose carefully, and avoid sites that are selling products for “guaranteed weight loss," or require a significant financial commitment. Sites are available for all kinds of weight loss special needs, ranging from food allergies to severe obesity.

What are you looking for in a diet buddy? What kinds of support do you feel has helped you in your weight loss effort?

I’d love to know!

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Related Links:

• Take the iVillage Community Challenge: Walk Off the Weight In 6 Weeks!
• Share Advice and Get Support on the Diet & Fitness Message Boards

Comments

I think having a diet buddy is an excellent idea, and I would definitely encourage my clients to do so if possible.

Sometimes it's actually good to choose someone who you don't know so well, as it removes the temptation to call them last minutes to cancel the meeting etc. Better for 'stickability!'

I am in need of a fitnes buddy.

3fatchicks.com is one of the best support sites around. They have challenges, support all healthy diets, have sites for people w/ health conditions who want to lose, etc. It's a really great support forum - helped me lose over 100 lbs!

I am 40 pds overweight. I carry my weight in my stomach area and gotten
bigger in the hips. I have somewhat
stress on my heart, hi cholestrol and its hard to find someone to exercise because they don't want to do it. Or
they love eating their food. I would like to be attentive to someone to help focus on my weight goal. I want to lose those 40 pds. My name is Tammy from Lousiana

i also... would like to lose weight...but i have no motvation...and i really want a work-out buddy...from maryland

I would Love a diet buddy that understands my life as a single mom.

I am also a single mom and would love a diet buddy. Along with working fulltime, taking care of two boys by myself and all their extra curriculum activities-I rarely find time for anything.

I also want a diet buddy. I have no motivation. I lose it and gain it back. I need someone that's ready to do this together or at least try.

i have an uncle who weighs over 400 and has many health issues and will die if the weight is not lost he is in need of a bddy

I'm pounds over weight. It shows mainly in my stomache and hips/thighs. I do alot of walking. Not sure what else to try. So a workout buddy would be great.

That was 45 pounds I missed that part.

I could really use a diet buddy too. I have diabetes and I need to lose about 100 lbs. I'm not very active, but I'm trying to exercise in my living room.

Hi..its a new yearand I'm DESPERATE to lose this weight. I just had a double hip replaceent and am ONLY 52 yrs old. I'm looking for someone for support and help.
I'm a HUGE fan of biggest loser, and I get motivated..but thats as far as it goes. Any takers????
PLZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!! : )

Hi..its a new yearand I'm DESPERATE to lose this weight. I just had a double hip replaceent and am ONLY 52 yrs old. I'm looking for someone for support and help.
I'm a HUGE fan of biggest loser, and I get motivated..but thats as far as it goes. Any takers????
PLZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!! : )

i need a work out buddy in greeley colorado. i need to lose around 80# i'm 46yrs female.

looking for a diet buddie in katy Tx. Looking to lose 50 lbs. 50 yr old female looking for a walking partner or someone to go to the gym with.

Hey all, i'm in need of a work out buddy. if there is anyone in the sparkle city of SC... hit me up. i have a membership at the gym, and am constantly looking for someone close by to help me out. its never the same without the push of someone behind you urging you to keep going until you can't go any more.

I am in Georgia and would like a diet bubby. I am 28 years old and weighed in at 211lbs and now i am down to 193. I am motivateed and would love to motivate someone else.

More than anything, I would like someone to correspond with about eating habits, to 'confess' to when I'm slipping and to talk about the whys of eating what and when we do.

Elizabeth,
I would love to correspond with you. I am in need of losing 20-40 lbs and I love to run, just only have time to do it at 6AM and can't get up. I also have eating issues-can't stop snacking. I wish I had someone to keep me accountable.

I need a diet buddy who can help me to loose weight.
Sara

I need a diet buddy who can help me to loose weight.
Sara