TROY, MI, TFebruary 12, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Online communication vehicles can play a positive role in an individual's ability to lose weight and sustain the weight loss through lifestyle changes, observes Amy Berns, 28, a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with Medical Network One's Michigan Institute for Health Enhancement.
"Social media is becoming an extension of traditional peer-led support groups, which can be an effective means for guiding the weight loss journey and sustaining the loss in the long term," explains Berns. "Outlets like facebook and twitter have 24-hour global accessibility, so regardless of one's work schedule or location, there is always a communication forum available for users to reach out to each other for support."
Berns says social media outlets may encourage healthy behaviors and prevent individuals who are trying to lose weight from getting overly discouraged.
"We've all seen negative posts from facebook users who feel guilty for eating a slice of cake or skipping the gym one day. Typically, facebook friends respond with positive comments that rally support for their friend, helping to reinforce the reality that imperfection with lifestyle choices is part of the journey. Similarly, if someone posts about taking a long walk, a jog or a bike ride, the "likes" will be plentiful," says Berns.
Berns notes it's important for those focused on weight loss and lifestyle change to accept that being a perfect eater or exerciser is not an option for most people.
"Acceptance allows for better coping and the ability to learn from mistakes," says Berns. "Having access to a community of supporters who accept you as you are but want the best for your health can help with the entire process. For many, facebook is that community - it just happens to be online."
Berns continues that online or traditional peer-to-peer support groups, such as the Michigan Institute for Health Enhancement's PATH self management program, can work well because they bring together individuals with a shared desire to encourage goal setting, healthy eating and exercise in a judgment free environment.
"The conversation is different in peer-to-peer groups because they are less inhibited and feel connected to others in the same situation. When you bring a Registered Dietitian or a physician into the group, the conversation can change," affirms Berns, who is certified in weight management counseling as well as health and wellness coaching. "Subject matter experts play a critical role in introducing and monitoring lifestyle change programs, but we are most effective when our clients also have peer support that functions independently from our sessions."
When asked about how to make desired health and lifestyle goals a reality, Berns says it's best to set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-Centered, Realistic and Time-Based. She notes that simply stating a goal to eat more vegetables does not usually make it happen.
"Creating an action plan that defines 'how' you will meet your goal is the best bet. The SMART technique approaches the same goal this way: "I will eat at least one cup of raw vegetables with my lunch, five days per week, by going grocery shopping every Sunday evening to buy them for the week ahead."
Berns also offers five basic tips for keeping track of weight:
1. Let go of "all or nothing" thinking.
2. Get rid of the guilt!
3. Be realistic.
4. Figure out why making the change matters to you.
5. Find your support, in person or online.
Berns cautions that social media should never take the place of medical advice from a trained health professional.
"If you have a question about health advice you obtained online, make sure to find an expert to confirm or correct the information."
Medical Network One and its chronic conditions management division, The Michigan Institute for Health Enhancement, develop and deliver outcomes-driven wellness and self management health programs, such as the proprietary Community Care Travel Team, in conjunction with physicians, clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, employers and corporate health partners. Medical Network One is a leader in advancing the adoption and implementation of the Patient-Centered Medial Home. Additionally, Medical Network One offers administrative support services to physicians throughout Michigan and in Ohio. Learn more at http://www.mednetone.net.
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