Managing weight is often a lonely journey, and for many people, the mental toll can be just as heavy as the physical one. A new study looked at how different types of support affect weight loss in rural patients who were struggling with obesity.
Researchers compared two ways of providing lifestyle advice: group visits versus individual visits. They found that for patients with a self-esteem score above 60, those in the group setting lost significantly more weight than those seen individually. For people with the highest self-esteem scores (between 80 and 100), the difference was even clearer. These individuals in groups lost about 6.7 kilograms, while those in individual sessions lost 3.9 kilograms.
While these results suggest that group settings can offer a boost for certain people, it is important to remember that everyone's journey is unique. The study specifically highlights how social support might help those whose self-esteem scores are above 60. Talk to your doctor about which setting might best fit your personal goals and needs.
