Obesity is a health condition involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity has serious health consequences such as higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and certain cancers.
Some risk factors include:
Family inheritance and influences
Lifestyle choices
Certain diseases and medications
Social and economic issues
Age
Lack of sleep
Stress
Being overweight can cause not only physical health concerns but also mental health problems such as depression, social isolation, sexual problems, or lower work achievement.
Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional.
While exercising regularly, following a healthy eating plan and eliminating other underlying causes can help you lose weight, it might be also beneficial to address other mental health issues associated with being overweight.Support groups can allow us to make connections and find support knowing that no one is alone.
In addition, other benefits of participating in support groups include:
Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma
Getting practical advice or information
Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue
Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope
Learning about health, economic or social resources
Benefits of online support groups can include:
Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time
More frequent or flexible participation
A cost-effective way to see a licensed mental health professional
A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups
Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups