by A Cooper

Created on: October 31, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2009

Losing weight is a challenge. The benefits of going to weekly weight watchers meetings cannot be understated. We all feel at times like giving up, but it's at those moments that you can draw upon the tools you will learn in your weekly meetings to help you get past those feelings and find your way again. It is a well known fact that humans need each other. We're social creatures and the contributions that we can make into each others lives cannot be discounted. It helps to know that you're not alone. Someone has been or still is facing the same struggles that you are. Adam Shafran, DC, author of

You Can't Lose Weight Alone: The Partner Power Weight Loss Program, states that "Most people put all their effort into finding the right diet or exercise program but don't put any energy into creating a support and accountability system, and too often, that's where the devil lies," He states that, "It (having a weight loss partner) can be the deciding factor that makes a diet work - or not work". Some psychologists agree with his conclusions. For example, in research published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2005, doctors at Brown Medical School and Dartmouth University discovered that those individuals who had an exercise buddy who had successfully lost weight, were more successful at losing themselves.

If you decide to attend a weight watchers weekly meeting, try to arrive early, as this will give you a chance to talk to other members before the meeting begins, so you can get an idea about what to expect. Often you might come across a friend or acquaintance that you already know! Don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions...everyone at your meeting would be pleased at the opportunity to help you. Sometimes all it takes is for a member to share their troubles or their triumphs, to lift your spirits up and encourage you to keep focused on your goals . Every meeting will present an opportunity for members to share recipes, information on new products that have discovered in local stores, or tips about difficult eating situations you might encounter.

Everyone working for Weight Watchers has been where you are right now. They had to face the same challenges that you do, and are a good example of where you will be one day if you make the plan a part of your life. At your first Weight Watchers meeting your leader, and friendly, knowledgeable staff can help you with the membership process should you decide to join. After the meeting your leader will have a short information session where they will introduce themselves again and discuss in detail the program. This is a great time for you to ask those questions that you might have felt uncomfortable asking during the regular meeting. It may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the guidelines established for either the "flex plan" or the "core plan", it will become second nature...guaranteed. When you continue going to the weekly weight watchers meetings you will get to know how others have fit the plans into their lives. We all have different schedules, different responsibilities, and different definitions of success, but Weight Watchers can be tailored to fit your lifestyle.

If you make the changes you will learn in Weight Watchers a part of your life, including following a healthful diet, exercise and techniques to replace bad habits with good, you will reach your goals.

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