The Benefits of Having a Weight Loss Buddy

Over the years I’ve wanted to lose weight at various times. And I’ve found that I tend to succeed at reaching my goals more often when I have a weight loss buddy. My first was a walking buddy. But I’ve had the most success thanks to a colleague and friend I talk to online. We became virtual workout buddies a few years back. And after a break, we’ve been thinking about giving it another go. It might be just what I need to jump start my “get in shape” plans.

Not sure what a weight loss buddy is or why you might want one? Let’s talk about it.

What is a Weight Loss Buddy?

A weight loss buddy is simply someone who joins you on your journey to lose weight, get in shape, and improve your health. That might be a friend or neighbor who joins you on your daily workouts. Or it could be a long distance weight loss buddy where you keep in touch to share your progress and help motivate each other towards your goals.

Benefits of Weight Loss Buddies

No matter what kind of weight loss buddy you want to work with, there are some definite benefits of having one. Here are three examples:

1. Accountability — Motivation can be a serious problem when we try to lose weight on our own. When there’s no one asking us for progress updates or pushing us to exercise (like a personal trainer), it can be easier to slip back into bad habits. A weight loss buddy might not push you quite as hard as a trainer, but they keep you accountable to someone other than yourself. For example, you might be less likely to skip a run if you have a partner counting on you to join them.
2. Support — Another reason we sometimes give up on weight loss goals is that it seems no one supports us or understands the changes we’re trying to make. But even if your family isn’t on board with your new routine or dietary choices, a weight loss buddy supports you. They understand what you’re going through because they’re going through it themselves — both the ups and the downs.
3. Celebration — It can also be nice to simply have someone you can talk to when you reach your goals, big or small. A weight loss buddy is there to rejoice with you. Sometimes the people in our lives can do things to sabotage our efforts, even if they don’t really mean to. That could be due to anything from outright jealousy to someone holding onto food-related family traditions that encourage you in unhealthy habits. Your weight loss buddy always wants the best for you in this sense, and they’re ready to help you celebrate and then keep on moving toward your next goal.

Have you ever had a weight loss buddy? How did you work together toward your weight loss goals? And how did it work out for you? Did you find it helpful to have someone else involved in your journey, or do you prefer to fly solo? Share your thoughts in the comments.