Study: Support system works best when trying to lose weight - Fox 2 News Headlines

Study: Support system works best when trying to lose weight

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

Many of us probably ate too much over Christmas, and now we may be wondering how to get rid of that holiday weight. A new study, funded in part by the National Institutes for Health, looked at three different ways to diet. The winner – Weight Watchers -- surprised even them.  

Researchers divided the dieters into three groups. One group dieted one-on-one with a health professional.  Others tried a group program where they have meetings and a support system. Weight Watchers is the largest program in the country so they picked that one. The last group did a combination - a few weeks of one-on-one work, then a few more weeks with Weight Watchers.

Which group do you think lost the most weight? Researchers anticipated the combo group would do the best, but they were wrong.

According to the research published in the journal Obesity, the dieters working one-on-one with a pro only lost 10 percent of their starting weight.  Dieters in the combo group lost 15 percent of their starting weight. The participants in the Weight Watchers program lost 37 percent of their starting weight. That is a huge difference

The point is, if you need to lose weight, a support system of peers seems to work best. So, If your new year's resolution is to lose some weight, do it! But you may want to grab a friend or two to join you.

  • I-Team Story Archive

  • Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
    It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. 
    It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.  This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 6:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:15:00 GMT
    Some of the greatest damage from Hurricane Sandy was to cars from the flooded streets and garages, and some of those automobiles are expected to trickle into the automobile market.
    Some of the greatest damage from Hurricane Sandy was to cars from the flooded streets and garages, and some of those automobiles are expected to trickle into the automobile market.
  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
    The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
    The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
  • More Health News

  • Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
    Health officials are investigating cases involving patients who suffered complications after being injected with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 5:53 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:53:38 GMT
    Many of us turn to music to help celebrate, mourn or even soothe.
    Many of us turn to music to help celebrate, mourn or even soothe.
  • Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.
    Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Friday, May 24 2013 10:03 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:03:16 GMT
    A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see.  The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
    A new exhibit in Atlanta is providing an encounter that you "otter" see.  The new Georgia Aquarium exhibit offers guests a view of the popular animals that has never been seen before.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 9:43 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:43:19 GMT
    There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot! 
    There's never any shortage of food in the FOX 5 newsroom, but on Fridays, it's in the parking lot!  This week, Sweet Auburn BBQ joined us for Food Truck Friday, and they got the holiday weekend started right with wings.
  • Friday, May 24 2013 9:11 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:11:19 GMT
    Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend?  Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill. 
    Lookin' to put on a fantastic party this Memorial Day weekend?  Don't forget to jazz up your patio before you light that grill.  Lucky for you, our friends from Pike Nurseries have a ton of ideas for how you can get your outdoor space ready for the holiday festivities.
Powered by WorldNow

WJBK-TV | Fox 2
16550 West Nine Mile Rd.
Southfield, MI 48075

Main Station: (248) 557-2000
Newsroom: (248) 552-5103

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices