4 Benefits of Joining a Weight Loss Workshop

Healthy weight management has become a popular endeavor among many. According to comprehensive data from the World Health Organization, the US has one of the highest obesity rates in the world as of 2016. Today, obesity affects about 42% of American adults. Unfortunately, about two-thirds of Americans (65%) report struggling to lose and keep weight off, claiming that willpower isn’t enough to retain positive outcomes. Between 2017 and 2018, 31% of Americans 20 and older are categorized as overweight, and 42% are obese.

As such, there’s been an increase in weight loss solutions worldwide, including a new class of drugs to help lose weight. This includes names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar medications. About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard or read about these drugs.

However, while studies have proven the efficacy of these weight loss drugs, it’s important to note that doctors can only prescribe them when you meet the required qualifications, including your body mass index. Still, there are many other ways to lose weight healthily and sustainably, such as by joining a weight loss workshop. Unlike solutions like medication, you don’t need a prescription to join weight loss programs. Below, we’ll share four benefits of joining a weight loss workshop:

Increased accessibility

For those too intimidated to go to a local gym alone or don’t know where to start, joining a weight loss workshop can help boost confidence as you’ll have a coach or mentor guide you along the way. Aside from in-person meetings, you can also opt for virtual workshops and programs. A simple Google search for “weight loss workshops near me” can help you connect with the nearest fitness or wellness centers offering weight loss programs and even virtual sessions held via Zoom. Depending on your preference and weight management needs, you can choose from various workshops led by expert coaches.

You would also gain access to a like-minded community that shares similar weight or body goals. Aside from adding a sense of accountability and support, you can also share weight loss tips and insights with each other. Virtual sessions are also accessible because you can easily attend them from home or wherever you are if you’re constantly traveling for work or leisure.

Added structure

Joining a weight loss workshop can also help provide structure to your weight loss strategy. Instead of improvising along the way and experimenting with random, unscientific weight loss methods that can harm your body, a weight loss workshop can help set guidelines and goals to help keep you on track. The presence of an expert coach or mentor can also help you adjust your strategy or routine according to your needs and preferences, which is especially helpful if you have any preexisting health conditions you may be worried about.

Extra structure can also help keep you more motivated, as you’ll always know what to work towards and improve. Similarly, if you find that a weight loss tip or fitness routine isn’t working out for you, you can inquire with your weight loss coach or mentor for more viable alternatives to maintain good results.

Healthier habits

Another benefit of joining a weight loss workshop is that it isn’t focused solely on food. While eating healthily is certainly essential to better weight management, sustainable weight loss is also about making small lifestyle changes to support your journey. Aside from food and nutrition, this includes sleeping better, becoming more active, and caring for your mental health.

In a previous post, we highlighted how adopting healthy habits and keeping a winning lifestyle is crucial to transforming your health. This is especially important as we age, as more drastic lifestyle changes like restrictive or intermittent diets can be more harmful than good. We also discussed how staying physically active and being surrounded by people you love can benefit and enrich your mental wellness, which is crucial to maintaining healthy weight loss.

Social support

Finally, a key aspect of joining weight loss workshops is the social support you gain. As explained above, being surrounded by a community of like-minded people who may share mutual weight or body goals with you can help keep you accountable and motivated throughout your journey.

At the same time, research has indicated that perceived social support is associated with significantly positive changes in weight loss, activity behaviors, and eating regulation. This is especially true for more severe cases where patients have undergone metabolic or bariatric surgery to aid in their healthy weight loss. Social support also helps fulfill needs for companionship and a sense of belonging, significantly supporting your mental and emotional wellness.