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Have you started a diet to lose a few pounds? According to a British study, conducted by scientists at the University of Surrey, beware of those close to you, who can sabotage your attempt to slim down.
When starting a diet, we tend to eliminate sugary drinks and snacks, sauces and prepared meals from our menus… But we should perhaps also deprive ourselves (or at least be wary) of those around us! Relatives could be the cause of the failure of your diet, according to English researchers. Explanations.
Weight loss can change relationships
The work of the researchers consisted in reviewing the literature concerning the impact of social support in attempts to lose weight.
Results: Experts have found that, far from being positive and beneficial, loved ones can actually sabotage attempts at dieting or healthier eating.
Jane Ogden, professor of health psychology and lead author of the University of Surrey study points out that weight loss often leads to changes in the relationships between people and that “Many resent such changes and may, consciously or unconsciously, try to derail a person’s attempts to lose weight in order to keep things the way they are.”
Making Loved Ones Partners in Weight Loss
The other conclusion of the scientists is that relatives who are “nursers” – those people who feed you when you are not hungry or try to eat less – also interfere with weight management. While paradoxically, this gesture could be perceived as positive.
“People seek to lose weight for a number of reasons, whether it’s for their overall health or to feel better about themselves. The support of friends and family can be an invaluable tool in helping people achieve their goals, but sometimes loved ones thwart their efforts by tempting them with unhealthy foods or acting as a hindrance by helping them adopt a lifestyle. healthier” adds Jane Ogden, recalling however that this subject is more complex than it seems.
The author considers that “we need to explore this area further to develop interventions that could target family and friends and help them be more supportive in helping those who are on the verge of losing weight.”