Friends don’t let friends gain weight. Well, at least not your weight loss support group of friends. Studies have proven that working out in packs or with a close weight loss partner can drastically increase your chances of losing a significant amount of weight? Why? The answer is simple: friends provide motivation, competition and support.  

If you are considering making a lifestyle change or losing some of those extra pounds, then enlist a friend. Not only will the two of you encourage each other to maintain a healthy diet, but if you work out together you will motivate each other out of bed and into the gym each morning. If for nothing else, you will want to go to the gym so that you will not let your friend down.  

Once you’re up and moving, an amazing thing happens: whereas prior to leaving the house you may not have been motivated to work out, once you are with your friend, you will be inspired to meet your friend’s energy level and workout routine. After all, who wants to be the friend waiting around at the gym while the other friend works hard to burn calories? 

The first step to developing a successful weight loss friendship is to create a plan for the two of you. Decide how you are going to reach your goals. This will incorporate modifications to your diets, regular activities and work out routine (or lack thereof.)  

Plot a spreadsheet for the two of you and, after each workout, complete the spreadsheet. You should chart the food that you intake as well as the exercise that you do. Keeping track of your routine and habits will not only help you to identify those habits that are not healthy, but it will help you compare and contrast your successes against each other. The competition to have the most impressive spreadsheet can be fierce between the two of you – make sure you’re ready for it! 

Next, develop a variety of activities that you can do together. These activities may be as simple as starting your day with a walk. Or they can be as complex as spending a weekend retreating in the mountains. Make sure that you both stick to these activities – don’t let your partner down and don’t let your partner let you down.  

Some partners like to share food responsibilities. Because diet and nutrition are a very important part of weight loss, having a partner that motivates you to eat right is essential. You may consider sharing meals. One partner cooks dinner one night, the other partner cooks dinner the next. This way, you are sure to have some variety, and the evening off can be rewarding – especially as your routine starts to lose its honeymoon phase and become more standard.  

Having a weight loss partner is proven to be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. If you are looking for a partner, ask your friends if they or anyone they know is interested in starting a weight loss routine. You can also look at the gym and at local weight loss centers.

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