Stay Connected: Social Media for Your Weight Loss Program

Whether through Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest or LinkedIn, our modern lives seem to increasingly play out in public. Many 21st century Americans seem to have the urge to share just about every event that transpires in their lives, from the unforgivably mundane (the turkey sandwich you ate for lunch or the TV show you’re watching) to high-impact life events (the photos from your wedding or the birth of your child).

If you haven’t jumped aboard the networking bandwagon, these concepts may seem a bit foreign to you, or even pointless. Yet, social media is useful for more than just sharing the minutiae of your daily life or keeping up with old friends. Social media platforms can be valuable tools during your weight loss program.

How can social media help me lose weight?

At the start of your weight loss program, your doctor may have told you the importance of social support during weight loss. Having a few allies can be a huge help in reaching your goals, as friends and family members can make great workout partners and help you stay accountable to your diet plan and progress.

Your Facebook page may not be able to exercise with you, but it can certainly keep you accountable. By sharing your weight loss goals through social media, you’ll invite others to support and congratulate you, or to share your disappointment when something doesn’t go as planned. This can be incredibly motivating—the exposure to and influence of these people can make it feel that much more important to make the right choices and continue your progress.

Some social media sites are specifically designed for weight loss purposes, like LoseIt.com. This free program allows you to connect to others who share similar goals and track your diet and exercise habits. With an iPhone app and options to share your progress via Facebook and Twitter as well, this can be a convenient and useful tool.

Those who want to take things even further may even want to consider starting a weight loss blog. A blog can give you all the exposure of a social media platform, along with a place to share your thoughts and feelings. You can share your blog posts on your social media pages for added accountability. Creating your own blog is easy, and there are many ways to do it for free. Try starting a weight loss blog with a free host like Blogger or WordPress.

There’s no right or wrong way to use social media during your weight loss program, but maintaining an online presence throughout your journey can be a big help in losing weight and keeping it off.