Weight No More

         “The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security is at stake.”  - First Lady, Michelle Obama

Let’s face it we live in a fast-paced world. Convenience is the name of the game.  Eating healthy is not always an easy option and getting in time at the gym seems impossible. There is a reason losing weight is dubbed “the battle of the bulge” or “combating obesity,” it’s hard, exhausting, and overwhelming.  Given the expanse of the internet and the increase in online communities geared strictly toward weight loss, pounds and inches don’t seem as daunting when you have the social support of a network people just like you.

Weight issues have been a major news story for years, and millions of Americans suffer from extra pounds.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in 2009-2010, 35.7% of U.S. adults were obese, and 16.9% of children/adolescents fell into the same category.  (CDC, 2012)  These are scary statistics! Without major awareness and initiatives to help people lose and keep the weight off there will be a steady increase to these numbers.  Online communities are stepping up to the plate and lending a hand to support people who wish/need to lose weight. 

         Take for example one of the leading weight loss sites, www.sparkpeople.com.  Their “weight loss program teaches people to stop dieting and transition to a permanent, healthy lifestyle. Far beyond just weight loss, SparkPeople helps everyone learn to eat better and exercise regularly for life.”  (SparkPeople, 2012). This community strives to give people the tools they need to make better, healthier choices. This change is not a fad diet that gives fast results but permanent lifestyle changes.  

         They provide a safe community where people can track their water, fitness, food, and pounds lost. It’s free to join, unlike other websites, such as Weight Watchers ©.  They offer not only the online component but also mobile applications for smart phones.  Having a resources such as this site helps someone who is struggling with their weight connect with others, set goals, and find a wealth of resources.  The site is full of recipes, workout videos, tips, tricks, team challenges, and more. Members can join groups of like-minded people, such as 30-somethings, or busy moms, to lend and gain much needed support on their journey.

         This site is not just for tracking measurements but social support as well. “Social interactions among SparkPeople members are sources of encouragement, information, and validation of struggles and successes. These interactions occur through multiple avenues, including posts in discussion forums, private messages, and comments on blogs. Approximately 500,000 members log into the Web site at least every month.” (Hwang, 2011).  In a recent study, it was found that the average user at SparkPeople was 36 years old, 18.1% had normal body masses, 32.7% were overweight, 20.6% were obese, and 28.1% were extremely obese. “Most participants [of the study and likely SparkPeople members] were experienced and frequent user of the internet.” (Hwang, 2011) These statistics show that average people, with a varying degree of obesity, are working together and supporting one another to lose the weight.  Since most users are on the internet frequently it means more support for you on your journey.

         Have kids?  Obesity and weight loss is not an adult only issue and sparkpeople.com is only available to ages 18 and older.  Take a look at, letsmove.gov, and find some great ideas to help your children and yourself make healthier life choices. Created on an initiative by First Lady, Michelle Obama, this site gives great facts and figures to put health and weight into perspective and to help manage your child’s weight.  They have sections for eating healthy, getting active and taking action against weight loss/obesity.  What really makes this site stand out above others is its community-based approach.  By changing how schools and communities eat and live an active lifestyle, the child and adult obesity rates can drop significantly. By following the site and receiving emails, you will be well on your way to success. 

         Being overweight can lead to a shortened lifespan, disease, and injury. Now these communities are reaching out to others, trying to make life healthier. Sites like SparkPeople.com, Letsmove.gov, and so many others, take the fear and frustration out of doing this battle alone. I know when I’m struggling not to eat something, or lack the energy to exercise, a few minutes on one of these sites communicating with other members, I feel more alive, more positive, and like I’m on my way to a healthier life.

         The invent of the internet and the growth of supportive websites, has been an amazing addition to an already fast-paced society.  Losing weight is not easy, but with the social support and tools of these growing communities filled with people going through the same battle, it is a lot less lonely and a lot more productive.  The communities offer tools and social outlets to help people succeed.  For those 35.7% of adults and 16.9% of children, that are overweight, now is the time to take action and reach out to the other - together we can.

Works Cited

LetsMove. (2012, August). Retrieved from LetsMove.gov: www.letsmove.gov

SparkPeople About US. (2012, August). Retrieved from SparkPeople: http://www.sparkpeople.com/about/index.asp

CDC. (2012, January). Prevalence of Obesity in the United States, 2009-2010. Retrieved from www.cdc.gov: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db82.pdf

Hwang, K. O., Ottenbacher, A. J., Lucke, J. F., Etchegaray, J. M., Graham, A. L., Thomas, E. J., & Bernstam, E. V. (2011). Measuring Social Support for Weight Loss in an Internet Weight Loss Community. Journal Of Health Communication, 16(2), 198-211

Opening Picture:  From http://www.ailaspeaks.com/weight-no-more-program.html

End Picture: From easternshoremedicalweightloss.com