Several recent blog posts have presented the weight loss benefits of cognitive-behavioral treatment programs:

• Once Again, Behaviorally Based Treatments Found Effective for Weight Loss
• Dieters Lose Weight When their Doctors Send them to Weight Watchers
• Weight Loss Programs Should Not be Written Off
• Which Weight Loss Programs Work?

Now, researchers say that adult family members of people in these programs also benefit!¹ In a recent study, 149 overweight/obese adults completed a 12-15 week group weight loss program emphasizing skills like goal setting, problem solving, and identifying high-risk situations for unhealthy behaviors. Researchers not only tracked their weight and behaviors from the beginning of the program to end but also the weight and lifestyle habits of 230 of their family members (spouses, adult children, etc.). Results showed that the program participants lost a median of 10 pounds and their family members:

• reduced their daily energy intake by 232 calories on average;
• reported a body weight decrease of 2 pounds on average;
• reduced consumption of cheese, high fat meat, refined carbohydrates, chocolate, and nonalcoholic beverages (fruit juices, carbonated beverages);
• increased their consumption of fruit; and
• became more ready to lead a physically active lifestyle.

Thus, researchers concluded that a cognitive-behavioral treatment program for weight loss positively influences not only the program participant, but also his/her family members by reducing calorie intake and promoting a more favorable attitude toward physical activity.

Another blog, Friends and Family May "Spread" Obesity showed similar findings in that unhealthy behaviors by an individual likely "rub off" on family and friends and that thin and overweight people tended to be clustered together.

While we've long known that social support is a key factor in lifestyle behavior change, it's not always easy to gain support from family, friends, and co-workers. In your experiences, what are the best ways to get nonsupporters or even saboteurs on board?

¹Rossini, R., Moscatiello, S., & Tarrini, G. (2011). Effects of cognitive-behavioral treatment for weight loss in family members. J Am Diet Assoc, 111(11), 1712-1719. doi: 10.1016/j.jada.2011.08.001