Places to Find Weight Loss Support:

Weight loss Support can be extremely difficult to do alone, especially if you’re just starting out and you don’t have a lot of willpower yet.

• If you’re in need of weight loss support, there are plenty of online communities and other places where you can find the help you need when you feel like giving up.
• Check out these 8 places to find weight loss support when you need it most.

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1) Talk with your doctor

If you’ve tried every weight loss trick in the book and nothing has worked, don’t beat yourself up—or quit. Instead, ask your doctor for help.

He or she can suggest some lifestyle changes that might make a difference, including adjusting your diet and taking medications that will boost your metabolism.

Your physician may also refer you to a registered dietitian who can give you personalized tips on how to lose weight safely and more effectively.

These professionals can help keep you motivated and provide healthy meal plans, recipes, and more insight into what it takes to get—and stay—healthy.

You can also turn to online communities like SparkPeople, which offer blogs with advice from people just like you who are looking for encouragement.

And remember: The answer is never as simple as eat less. You’ll need to create a healthy eating plan based on your body type and lifestyle that includes regular exercise—but this time, stick with it!

2) Join a weight loss program

There are dozens of diet plans and weight loss programs that guarantee you’ll drop pounds quickly, but very few are worth your time.

Instead of being a guinea pig for an unknown or unproven plan, look for something that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Look for a program with adequate counseling and support—because what’s more important than dropping pounds is keeping them off over time.

That means it should include regular check-ins from experts and have built-in accountability measures, like weekly weigh-ins or food diaries.

Some weight loss plans allow the use of pre-packaged foods and others don’t, so make sure you know what you’re getting into before signing up.

Additionally, the best diet for your needs may not be one at all. If you have special dietary needs such as diabetes or high cholesterol, consult a doctor before starting any new diets.

If a medical condition is impacting your ability to lose weight successfully, start by consulting with a doctor about possible treatments rather than jumping straight into trendy diets that could worsen the problem.

3) Work with a personal trainer

There are a lot of health and fitness-focused communities online. Some of these places, like Reddit, can feel more like bulletin boards than active communities, but others are incredibly valuable resources.

Try MyFitnessPal for weight loss tips and advice from people who have been there before.

Or if you’re trying to get in shape with your significant other or family members, BodySpace is a great resource for anyone looking for support and motivation. A subscription is required after a free trial period.

4) Read online

We all know that reading is a great way to supplement your weight loss support when you need it most. The Internet is filled with resources and people who want to help.

If you’re having trouble losing weight, be sure to take a look at some of these online websites and forums:

WebMD , Livestrong , and eDiets are great options that provide both diet information and support communities.

And if you’re not sure where else to start, there are also tons of social media sites for weight loss on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram—you name it! Remember, the internet provides a wealth of opportunities to find the right support for your needs.

5) Join an online community

Online communities are a great way to connect with others who share your interests, goals, and challenges. They’re also a way for you to get support from people who might not live nearby or otherwise be available in person.If you don’t find a community that suits you right away, don’t give up!

Try searching on Facebook or other social media platforms for people in your city who share similar interests; look at local Meetup groups; and try starting one of your own!

Many communities have more success once they reach a critical mass of members—so start looking now!

6) Go to support groups

The weight loss community is an amazingly supportive environment. Whether you’re looking for a specific support group or just a place to meet other people in your area who are going through similar things, you’ll find plenty of support out there.

The Weight Watchers website (which also features local meetings) has a great guide on how to find meetings in your area and support groups through National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) can be another great resource.

For example, NEDA offers virtual meetings where users can connect with others who are dealing with eating disorders, whether it’s bulimia or binge eating disorder.

Start-up costs for both of these resources is free, but you may have to pay a small fee for virtual meetings.

7) Talk with friends and family about your goals

No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, social media can be a powerful tool. Facebook and Instagram, for example, allow you to connect with other people who have experienced (or are currently experiencing) similar situations.

This could be important if you’re struggling with low self-esteem or even just starting out on your weight loss journey.Plus, it’s great motivation: Seeing other people’s successes might make you feel like doing better yourself!

The downside is that these outlets might also inspire feelings of jealousy or inadequacy—which can actually undermine your progress by making it harder for you to stay positive.

8) Use social media for support

Social media is a great place to find people who are going through similar experiences as you. Whether you need support from someone who can empathize with you or someone who can cheer you on, social media has plenty of resources.

Hashtags like #LoseItForLife and #FitForLife offer thousands of photos that will inspire and motivate; just be sure to only look at those tagged motivation or inspiration.

And for more personal support, look for local weight-loss groups in your area. These group meetings are great ways to have your questions answered by a professional who knows what they’re talking about.