How to Find Weight Loss Support Groups

Losing weight is difficult enough without having to go it alone. Weight-loss groups provide companionship, counseling and encouragement on your dieting journey. You may meet people in a weight-loss support group who want to be diet or exercise buddies, forcing you to go to the gym when you are tempted to stay home. The regular weigh-ins in these groups can help keep you honest and motivated to lose extra pounds.

Instructions

• 1

  Search the Internet for weight-loss groups in your area. Check the prices for the commercial groups advertised on TV and radio, but also look for free ones. You may also find online groups that cost little or no money.

• 2

  Contact an Alcoholics Anonymous group by phone and ask if there is an Overeaters Anonymous group in your area. AA exists in most cities, and can help point you to an OA group near you.

• 3

  Listen to the radio. Local stations often advertise meetings of weight-loss groups in the areas to which they broadcast.

• 4

  Ask friends who are dieting or have dieted in the past if they attended a weight-loss group. Friends who know your personality and level of motivation are often the best resource for finding a group you'll click with.

• 5

  Start your own group. If there are no weight-loss groups in your area, there are bound to be other dieters who would be receptive to one. Advertise your group in the local paper, on bulletin board websites and on real bulletin boards in public libraries and coffee shops.