by J.C. Weeks

Created on: October 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 14, 2008

All across the world people begin and end diets everyday. We all hope for that seemingly illusive ideal weight and perfect body. But dieting is never easy and the difficulty is multiplied when there is no support system. Why is support in dieting so necessary? The right support can mean the success or failure of a diet. When there are others who are motivating us and encouraging us, it becomes easier to stick with it. Often times we burst on the dieting scene with gusto to lose every single extra pound we don't need, but then after a few days or weeks of monitoring our food consumption and committed exercising, the passion fades and is replaced with a desire to grab a donut and give up! We've all been there! But previous failure should not stop us from giving it another shot and doing it differently. We just have to put down the donut, wipe the chocolate off our face, get up and do it!

With the number of diets started and stopped everyday it is difficult, if not impossible, to put an exact number or percentage on failed diets. Some say the failure rate is in the 90 percentile. However, the chance of success for dieters who have a strong support system, whether it is family, friend, personal trainer, or online support group, is markedly higher than those who try to do it alone (possibly 60-65% higher).

There are many ways to build a solid support into your dieting adventures. Start with your family. Get them on board with you. Your family can agree to only allow certain foods into the house so the temptation to splurge on unhealthy or diet prohibited foods are not even around. In the process, they will also eat healthier, even if they don't need to lose weight. You can work out, exercise or walk together as a family and build a more "fit" family not only physically, but emotionally and mentally, as well, as you pursue this together for a common purpose.

You can grab a friend or coworker and partner up to lose weight and be successful. Join a gym together and set your dates and times, in advance, to meet there and work out. Find the right diet or eating program that will work for both of you and be committed to it. During your lunch break you can eat something light and go for a quick walk together. Make a contract with your fitness buddy to become accountable to one another, to ask and answer the difficult questions and be truthful about successes and failures during the process.

Another option is to find a personal trainer at your local health club. A personal trainer will work with you on both nutrition and exercise. Your trainer will hold you to high expectations and will inspire and push you to reach your goals.

There are many online support groups and communities that cater to the needs of dieters. This can be a great place to find help and encouragement. Many of these communities offer places to ask questions, get feedback and share testimonials. By joining an online community you can meet other individuals who have experienced the same struggles and issues you are dealing with in dieting and can share how they overcame them.

There is so much to be said about having the right support as you embark on a weight loss program. In order to flourish in losing weight we all need "a little help from our friends."

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