A study conducted by the University of Surrey has shed light on the inadvertent role that family and loved ones may play in sabotaging weight loss efforts. The research emphasizes the need for interventions aimed at cultivating more supportive behaviors to counteract acts of sabotage, overfeeding, and collusion.
Recent findings from the University of Surrey highlight a potential unintended consequence of weight loss journeys: interference from family and loved ones. This study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that social support does not always yield positive health outcomes.
After reviewing various studies in the field, researchers discovered that social support can sometimes manifest in detrimental ways, such as sabotage and collusion, which can impede an individual’s progress in shedding pounds.
The study conducted by the Surrey team identified instances of sabotage, where individuals’ confidence and self-esteem were compromised by discouraging healthy eating and hindering their participation in support groups. Such actions undermined their weight loss endeavors.
Lead author of the study and Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Surrey, Jane Ogden, commented, “Weight loss often brings about changes, ranging from increased confidence to altered social dynamics in relationships. Many individuals are resistant to such changes and may consciously or subconsciously try to derail someone’s weight loss efforts in order to maintain the status quo.”
Professor Ogden continued, “Further exploration of this area is necessary to develop interventions that target family and friends, helping them provide more supportive assistance to their loved ones in their weight loss journey.”
Additionally, researchers identified a harmful form of social support called “being a feeder,” whereby individuals intentionally offer food to someone who is not hungry or trying to consume fewer calories. Although this gesture is often driven by love or perceived as a display of affluence, the researchers found that such actions can undermine effective weight management.
Interestingly, collusion, which is often regarded as an act of kindness and friendship, was identified as another form of negative social support. The analysis of various studies revealed instances where family, friends, and partners supported and encouraged behaviors that were incongruent with the weight loss goals of the person they were trying to assist.
Professor Ogden added, “People embark on weight loss for various reasons, whether it’s for overall health or to enhance their self-perception. Support from friends and family can be an invaluable tool in helping individuals achieve their goals. However, sometimes those closest to them inadvertently impede their efforts by tempting them with unhealthy food or acting as barriers to adopting a healthier lifestyle.”
Reference: “Sabotage, Collusion, and Being a Feeder: Towards a New Model of Negative Social Support and Its Impact on Weight Management” by Jane Ogden and Sophia Quirke-McFarlane, 7 June 2023, Current Obesity Reports.
DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00504-5
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Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about weight loss sabotage
What does the study reveal about family and loved ones in relation to weight loss?
The study reveals that family and loved ones may unintentionally hinder weight loss efforts through acts of sabotage, overfeeding, and collusion. Their actions can negatively impact a person’s confidence, self-esteem, and ability to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Why is social support sometimes detrimental to weight loss?
Contrary to popular belief, social support is not always beneficial for weight loss. In some cases, it can manifest as sabotage or collusion, where family and friends unknowingly hinder an individual’s progress by discouraging healthy eating habits or going along with behaviors that contradict weight loss goals.
How does “being a feeder” contribute to weight management challenges?
“Being a feeder” refers to the act of deliberately providing food to someone who is not hungry or trying to eat less. While it may be done out of love or to display wealth and status, this behavior can undermine effective weight management and hinder progress towards weight loss goals.
What is collusion and how does it impact weight loss efforts?
Collusion, often seen as an act of kindness and friendship, can negatively impact weight loss efforts. It involves family, friends, or partners supporting and encouraging behaviors that are not aligned with the person’s weight loss goals. Collusion can hinder the adoption of healthier habits and impede progress in losing weight.
What should be done to address these challenges?
The study emphasizes the need for interventions that target family and friends, aiming to foster more supportive behaviors. By raising awareness about the potential negative impact of their actions and providing education on healthy eating and lifestyle choices, loved ones can better support individuals on their weight loss journey.
More about weight loss sabotage
- University of Surrey: Link to the University of Surrey’s website
- Current Obesity Reports: Link to the journal article
5 comments
Wow, this study reveals somethin’ interestin’! Turns out, family ‘n loved ones can mess up yer weight loss efforts without even knowin’ it. Who woulda thought? We gotta find ways to get ’em to be more supportive, ya know?
So, this study says that social support ain’t always helpful for losin’ weight. Sometimes, it can be the opposite! Family ‘n friends can unknowingly sabotage our progress by pushin’ unhealthy food or makin’ it hard to stick to our goals. Time for some interventions, folks!
Ain’t it frustratin’? We’re tryin’ so hard to shed those pounds, and here comes our loved ones, underminin’ our efforts. They think they’re helpin’ by givin’ us food when we don’t need it, but it’s messin’ up our weight management. We need ’em to understand and support us better!
Whoa, colludin’ with our weight loss goals? That’s somethin’ to think about! Sometimes, our fam and friends join in on our unhealthy habits instead of helpin’ us change. It’s all ’bout findin’ that balance between showin’ love and supportin’ healthier choices, ya know?
This study really hits home. It’s tough when our loved ones don’t get why we’re tryin’ to lose weight and end up underminin’ us. We need more awareness ’bout how their actions affect our confidence and self-esteem. Let’s work together to foster a more supportive environment!