Weight loss support groups
By Bev1986
@Bev1986 (1425)
United States
January 19, 2007 11:50am CST
If you belonged to a weight loss support group that met weekly, would you feel more comfortable having someone in charge who was quite a bit overweight or someone who was thin?
The reason I'm asking is because I need to lose 20 pounds. I realize I'm not that big, but to me that 20 pounds is a lot and I need support and help to keep me on track to be able to get it off and keep it off. I've already lost 20 pounds on my own since August of last year, so I was over 40 pounds overweight to begin with, but I've hit a slump and just can't lost those last 20 pounds.
Anyway, I decided to start a weight loss support group at my church with the guidance of a group called TOPS. The area captain that came to help me get it started originally had lost almost 100 pounds, but has put a lot of it back on over the past year and now needs to lose around 75 pounds again. She only came to the first two meetings while we were setting things up, but now I'm in charge of the weekly meetings.
The majority of women that have been coming to the meetings are all a good 75 to 100 pounds heavier than I am.... my question is, do you think they take me seriously when I talk about the difficulties of losing weight just because I've never been as large as they are?
I still struggle every day to stay on track and I've had weeks where I've gained instead of lost. But sometimes I feel like they think it's not that big of a struggle for me.
Would you feel that way if someone smaller than you was telling you about how to lose weight?
1 person likes this
8 responses
@MakDomMom (1474)
• United States
19 Jan 07
I also belong to a weight loss group at our church called First Place (www.firstplace.org). I have recently become the leader of the groups due to the previous leader needing to step down. If I wasn't the leader (with my own 100 plus pounds to lose) I wouldn't really care whether my leader was thinner than me or not. As long as they can relate to me (knowing the struggles and temptations) and can help me stay motivated, it doesn't matter what size they are. If they were someone who never has needed to be on a program and part of a group - then I would be skeptical. So I would be honored for you to be my leader! Good luck in your endeavor. May the Lord bless you in mighty ways for taking on this new challenge. Keep your eyes focused on Him and He will give you the strength that you need.
@Bev1986 (1425)
• United States
19 Jan 07
ahh, thank you so much!
Believe me, I definitely can relate to struggling! I've struggled my whole life to not gain more than the 40 pounds I was overweight! I'm not a big eater at meals, but I have a huge sweet tooth. I like to eat chocolate every single day, and it's a huge struggle for me not to eat sweets, including ice cream, candy and anything sweet.
1 person likes this
@MakDomMom (1474)
• United States
29 Jan 07
I have a really big sweet tooth too! My husband feels sick if he eats too much - if I eat too much - I just crave it more! it's crazy.
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
29 Jan 07
Honestly I'd rather the person be smaller than me. It would show me that yes- it can be done and they have done it. If it is a larger person- I know I'd think why listen to her-- Her advice obviuosly isn't working or she would be skinnier. I like to take advice from people who have actually accomplished something. Plus it will be easier to get encouragement from seeing that someone else can do it and has does it. It doesn't matter how much weight you have to lose.. It's hard regardless.. Its easier for someone with more to lose-- it comes off faster.
@euniceeleanor (5967)
• Singapore
20 Jan 07
it will depend....i will listen to those who have successfully lose the weight as it's based on true experience. but i will never listen to another person who never know the meaning of 'fat' ever in her life...
1 person likes this
@TerryZ (22076)
• United States
19 Jan 07
I dont think that they are thinking that way. I think its you feeling like that, and you shouldnt. I think its a great idea for all of you. A couple of years ago I went through the same thing, I just could get them extra pounds off. I started walking every day and it worked for me. Im talking 10 lbs. Keep the good work up girl.
@kathy77 (7486)
• Australia
19 Jan 07
No unfortunately at this time I do not belong to a weight loss support group but I shall be joining one this week, one way of losing weight is to watch the amount of sugar you take and also the amount of milk and dairy products as these are the main ones for us putting on weight as I have lost 1 stone from not using these it only took me one month to lose this amount and am starting to feel a lot better and this was with no support.
1 person likes this
@sehgal_kapil (229)
• India
20 Jan 07
i try to told them that heavy person does not live a normal life
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
6 Feb 07
All of the weigh watchers meeting leaders were over weight and are now at their goal weight. So they are skinny people.
That does not seem right to have a new person in charge of a meeting. Did you get any training, do you get any help.
I would say if you are losing, then the group will respect you.
I am trying to start a weight loss buddies thing going here, if you have any suggestions or want any help, just come on over, I just really started it tonight, but feel free to drop in.
