Phone Counseling Helps People Lose Weight
But now, a new study suggests regular phone or email counseling helps people improve their diet and lose weight, especially for those unwilling to seek face-to-face support.
Researcher divided participants, 1,400 overweight Dutch workers, into 3 groups: phone counseling, email counseling and a control group, that received no support.
The counseling entailed encouraging people to keep fit, such as telling them to take a walk and eat better, but participants were NOT given a specific weight-loss goal.
After 6 months, the email group lost 1.3 pounds more than the control group and the phone call group did the best, dropping 3.3 pounds; Reuters reports.
Now, even though the results were modest, researchers believe talking to someone puts extra pressure on a person to make a change.
And anyone who grew up with an Italian mother knows this to be true. "What's wrong with you? You've put on weight." Thanks mom.
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Research like this has been coming out in droves over the past decade. I think most people would agree, research aside, that having a source of accountability is good motivation for compliance to any goal, especially one as personal as weight loss and health improvement.
Fat loss expert, Tom Venuto, has been saying for years that social support is the missing link in most weight loss programs. Tom calls it the "5th Element" to a successful fat loss program. I think Tom is spot-on.
To your health and success,
John Sifferman NSCA-CPT
ReplyFitness Professional
We have provided individualized nutritional counseling for 25 years. Whether by phone or in-office, nothing can replace one-on one time with a licensed health professional to achieve your wellness goals.
ReplyIf someone constantly saying you are fat, you are fat, you concentrate your thoughts about this fact.
As a result you don't have enough mental power and motivation to focus on the solution of the problem.
So, John is right, social help is needed.
ReplyI'm a big believer in phone counseling for many things. Just talking to someone often helps even if you never actually meet this person. Accountability is a big deal. This is a good study, now you got me thinking about looking for more like it. Thanks.
ReplyIf you're looking for a wellness coach, www.wellcoaches.com is a resource. They're who I received my certification and licensing from.
Wellness coaching is fantastic because it's completely different than going to a personal trainer or nutritionist. It allows me to focus on my client; her needs, her goals and what is keeping her from achieving them. It's a fantastic program - plus, it allows people to do it on their own!
Elizabeth Sherman
ReplyLicensed Wellness Coach
ACE Certified PT & LWMC
NESTA Certified Fitness Nutrition Coach
http://www.elizabethsherman.com
My Blog: http://www.elizabethsherman.com/cs/blogs/ambassador_of_wellness/default.aspx
I truly believe that people are not getting less busy, so if there are ways to motivate people over the phone, then I think more people should be signing up for it! As a certified Nutritional Consultant and creator of the 3BAR, energy bar, I am always trying to find ways to motivate my clients!
ReplyYes! This data was presented at the Annual American Dietetic Association's Food and Nutrition Conference last October. Phone counseling works well. It's a great idea for people who live in outlying areas where they might have a distance to travel to see someone in person. It's timesaving on both ends (no one has to drive anywhere), and it's a great option for people who would rather remain anonymous. Support is support, whether it's in person, by phone or on line, and it's helpful for most people when they are ready to lose weight.
ReplyLaurie Beebe, MS, RD
www.mycoachlaurie.com
Think again. Choose a diet that contains the foods you like. If you enjoy carbohydrates, choosing a plan that doesn’t allow for moderate carbohydrate intake would be unrealistic. Take a diet profile to help you with your selection.
Reply