Want to lose weight? This could be the best way!

For a long time we’ve been looking for a way to improve the chances of us actually losing weight – it was one of my resolutions but that has fast been lost! However, a research team has found something interesting that could actually be the secret to us all losing weight successfully.

In an article published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, scientists found that online weight management communities could potentially promote weight loss among large numbers of people at low cost. So perhaps looking for an online community rather than a real one can be more beneficial when we set out to shed the kilos. The study, led by Dr Julia Poncela-Casasnovas,  found that specifically, initial body mass index, adherence to self-monitoring, and social networking were significantly correlated with weight loss. Network embeddedness – the way an individual integrates within the online community was the highest variable. Average weight loss for those who were significantly embedded within the online community was significantly higher than those who were non-networked and those who only had a few connections within the group.

The behavioural change may be a result of many things. For example, you have a supportive community with similar goals, you have a network to learn and grow from, you have an exchange of information and general support.

So next time you want to get serious about losing weight, think about turning to an online community to do it!

If Starts at 60 set up an online community for those wanting to be healthier and possibly lose weight, would you join?