A study from the University of Surrey reveals that family and friends may unintentionally sabotage weight loss efforts through negative social support behaviors. While social support is often seen as beneficial in health contexts, the study highlights instances where it can hinder weight management. The researchers found that actions such as discouraging healthy eating and creating barriers to attending support groups can diminish an individual’s confidence and negatively impact their weight loss journeys. Professor Jane Ogden emphasized that weight loss can alter social dynamics, leading some loved ones to resist these changes and subconsciously derail efforts. Two key harmful behaviors identified were “being a feeder,” where individuals provide food when their loved ones are trying to eat less, and collusion, where family and friends support unhealthy behaviors by not challenging or modifying them. Overall, the study indicates the need for interventions aimed at educating families and friends to foster more supportive behaviors that align with weight loss goals, emphasizing the dual nature of social support in health outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the social environment’s role in weight management.
