Fitness: A Little Teamwork Offers more Weight Loss

Losing weight doesn't have to be so difficult when teamwork's involved. 

According to a recent study, while most Americans would typically pick up the latest health book or fad diet in order to shed unwanted pounds, findings show that those who invested in Weight Watchers lost significantly more because they're discussing their weight loss and exercise habits with others.

In order to conduct the study, researchers instructed 292 participants to enroll in either Weight Watchers or to follow a self-help plan. Weight Watcher dieters were then given three different options to guide their process, including the following: weekly meetings, mobile applications, or online tools.

Their weight loss success was essentially measured in three-month intervals, first beginning with a baseline weigh-in. The results showed that Weight Watchers resulted in significantly greater weight loss success.

Participants that used the program were up to 8.8 times more likely to achieve a 10 percent reduction in their starting weight. Those who used all three methods of accessing the Weight Watchers program achieved the highest weight loss.

Study authors concluded that this program may provide dieters with key benefits for weight loss success. The U.S. Preventitive Services Task Force's recommendation notes refers obese individuals to intensive, multicomponent behavioral counseling in order to begin the right fitness path.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also notes that close to 36 percent of the U.S. population is obese, and the number seems to be rising, according to 2009-2010 statistics provided by the organization. 

Obesity-related conditions can cause serious health problems, ranging from heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and even certain types of cancer. Many can be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise. Make sure you take the necessary precautions to get your life on the right track. 

More information regarding the study can be found via JAMA.