Weight Loss Support Groups Compared

Weight Loss Support Groups

-- by Steve Kanney

The Mindful Life Option:

"When we practice mindful breathing, smiling, and walking in a group or at a retreat, the collective energy generated by the group helps us build up our own mindfulness energy. When we make an effort to cultivate our mindfulness energy individually in this group setting we also enhance the energy of the entire group. The individual and collective are not separate entities. When we touch our inner peace, we smile with joy. The moment we beam a smile, not only do we feel a little happier, but those around us also begin to feel lighter. Individual action always has an effect on the collective, and the collective action always has an effect on the individual. When we are looking deeply, the moment we take a mindful step the world changes; everything changes." -Thich Nhat Hanh in Savor

The Mindful Life Option:

Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Overeaters Anyoymous, etc.

Mindful Life Weight Loss: Spirit, Mind, Behavior, Physical
Weight Watchers®: Behavior, Physical

The importance of group support in weight loss should not be underestimated. Weight Watchers® was a trailblazer in this area from the 1960s. Even today, their efforts to help millions of people lose weight should be applauded. Group support is as equally important today as it was in the 1960s. Jenny Craig is similarly structured, although there may be stylistic differences. Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a twelve step program that is peer led. OA approaches the problem from the vantage point of addiction, and assumes the addict has an inherent weakness. We take the opposite approach, and assume the inherent strengths of the person.

Today, however, in addition to the task of selecting and implementing a diet, we need to fight the tide of our society. High calorie food is available 24/7 and our culture supports continuous eating. In order to address these 21st century problems, we need more extensive tools.

The Mindful Life Weight Loss Program draws from both modern and ancient science to bring more power to the group process. Current evidence-based behavioral practices are implemented in group sessions by a highly-trained professionals. In addition, the ancient science of mindful awareness reverses the unconsciousness of our lifestyle and helps us to align our actions with our real motives to produce a happy life.

To solve persistent weight problems, we need to understand where we can get maximum benefit with minimal effort. We use a 12-point grid system developed from systems theory to evaluate where you can get the most leverage for your effort to achieve your goals, both now and for the rest of your life.