I found this on a web site Called WLS LifeStyle Magazine. It is a awesome web site. I am going to get a subscription to their magazine.
Online social networks have become the new way to connect with others
socially, sharing interests and activities with people that you might not see on
a daily basis. Social media sites, such as Facebook and
Twitter,
may also have another benefit. They could be helpful in changing habits that can
ultimately help us lose weight according to a new study from the University of
South Carolina.
Led by Brie Turner-McGrievy of the Arnold School of Public Health’s
Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, 96 overweight and obese
men and women participated in a weight-loss program using a mobile device such
as a smartphone or tablet. Half of the group received bi-weekly podcasts about
nutrition, exercise, and goal setting. The other half, in addition to receiving
the podcasts, downloaded a diet-monitoring app and a Twitter app to their
device.
Both groups lost weight over the course of the six-month study, but those who
were actively posting to Twitter and getting feedback from a weight-loss
counselor and support from fellow participants lost more weight than those who
did not use social media. The researchers found that every 10 posts to Twitter
corresponded to a 0.5% weight loss.
The social media account provided virtual “support groups” that helped give
dieters emotional support through their journey, encouragement and compliments
for a job well done, and self-esteem support through the times when dieting
becomes difficult. Dieters were also able to share information and tips with a
group.
Posting updates on
Twitter
allowed users to brag about small successes also helped (“I avoided eating a
pastry this morning at a breakfast meeting!” said one user. “I did have a skim
Mocha without whipped cream…not too bad.”
“Traditional, behavioral weight-loss interventions generally provide social
support through weekly, face-to-face group meetings. While we know this is
effective, it is costly and can create a high degree of burden on participants,”
said Turner-McGrievy. “Providing group support through online social networks
can be a low cost way to reach a large number of people who are interested in
achieving a healthy weight,” she said.
According to the website “
Statistic Brain,” 56% of those polled use some sort of
social
network, with the vast majority using
Facebook
(1.2 billion users worldwide). About 10% use Twitter – there are about 190
million tweets on average per day. Believe it or not, the United States is not
the largest user of social networking, spending on average 7.6 hours per month
on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+. The leader in the top
ten most countries is Israel, spending 11.1 hours per month on social networking
sites.
The authors recommend future studies to search for additional ways to give
social support for subjects in weight loss programs that are remote in their
delivery, focusing on methods that are still useful and rewarding.
Looking to Tweet your way thinner? Prevention Magazine offers the following
steps to add Twitter to your weight loss program.
- Create a virtual support group. People you follow (and those following you)
should be trying to lose weight, too—but you don't necessarily need to know
them. Instead, Turner-McGrievy recommends searching for weight loss blogs or
publications, to see if the author is on Twitter. “What is really beneficial is
finding other people who are in the same situation as you are, who can relate to
your challenges and respond,” she says. “Having someone check in and say, 'Hey,
I haven’t heard you Tweet in a long time,' or congratulate you when you stick to
your calorie limits—that was really the important component of the study.”
- Tweet yourself motivated. Because Twitter is such a quick, responsive
platform, sending a tweet means you'll get a kick in the butt right when you
need it. “Being able to get those immediate responses from other people is
really invaluable,” Turner-McGrievy says. Not feeling the gym today? Tweet it.
If your followers are as committed as you are, they'll respond back with some
energizing phrases to get you out the door. (Psst...You can stay motivated 24/7
with tweets from Prevention's Fit Team.)
- Stay active on (and off) Twitter. Want followers to keep you going? Then
keep them going, too—by posting and responding throughout the day, you'll
develop meaningful relationships with your online community. Keep posts
motivational and supportive, and offer compliments, empathy, and encouragement.
Plus, try tweeting lessons you're learning on your weight loss journey: Finished
a new strength workout? Let 'em know. Discover a divine, low-fat frozen pizza?
Spread the word!
________________________________________
Journal Reference:
Gabrielle M
Turner-McGrievy, Deborah F Tate. Weight loss social support in 140 characters or
less: use of an online social network in a remotely delivered weight loss
intervention. Translational Behavioral Medicine, 2013; DOI:
10.1007/s13142-012-0183-y
This is from the website
www.examhealth.com.
I really think it is healthful and a useful article.
