Weight Loss Group in Crisis

Topsking2010
Topsking2010 Posts: 2,245 Member
edited October 4 in Health and Weight Loss
I am a leader of a local weight loss support group in my hometown. After reaching my goal weight in September 2010, only one other member has reached their goal. We have 25 members on the roster but poor attendance, weekly gains, and lack of support from the members has this leader very frustrated. I must admit I am running out of ideas on how to get this group motivated.

Any suggestions on how to turn this group around?


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Replies

  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    Nobody can motivate me. Nobody can cheer me up. It's all up to me.
  • cppeace
    cppeace Posts: 764 Member
    Contests? Parties? Goal walks? Dances? dating pools? prizes for pounds, inches and or bmi lost? Just use some imagination and I wish you luck :)
  • SunshineKisses_2012
    SunshineKisses_2012 Posts: 471 Member
    Contests? Parties? Goal walks? Dances? dating pools? prizes for pounds, inches and or bmi lost? Just use some imagination and I wish you luck :)

    These are all good ideas, but, ultimately, the people have to want it for themselves. If they don't, no amount of bribing will get them to want it more.
  • Debbe2
    Debbe2 Posts: 2,071 Member
    agree it's up to them. MFP will help them to keep a log if they commit to using it. Also the message boards has lot's of info and lots of laughs :laugh:
  • Princessa1982
    Princessa1982 Posts: 82
    can you get some local sponsors for prizes?????/ I know the prize money for my biggest loser challenge is a huge incentive for a lot of people!
  • chefchazz
    chefchazz Posts: 427 Member
    Nobody can motivate me. Nobody can cheer me up. It's all up to me.

    i agree...but thats me. good luck to you and your group.
  • MartiJJohnston
    MartiJJohnston Posts: 517
    First.... Get them all to join MFP! :bigsmile:
    Second... Try having a weight-loss challenge
    Third... Form a walking group
    Forth... Maybe pair them up so they have someone to be accountable to

    My old WW leader was funny and I enjoyed going. She didn't make it seem like a "meeting", it was more personal. I only stopped because I couldn't afford it anymore and no time to go to meetings.

    That's all I have so far! Good luck!
  • rita27ny
    rita27ny Posts: 820 Member
    They are just lazy. LOL wave a donut at them.
  • LittleFootHafner
    LittleFootHafner Posts: 302
    I know that it's always up to a person how commited they are. However, I have seen this kind of situation in the past that has worked:

    Get every member to pay $5 - then 50% can go to the person who loses the most percentage of weight, and 25% to both 2nd and 3rd place winners.

    Maybe start it right away and end it right before Christmas so that the extra funds could buy a cute holiday outfit?!?

    Then, start a new one in the New Year...
  • email4jenp
    email4jenp Posts: 52 Member
    Prize money is a good motivator. But they still have to want it for themselves in order to succeed. Start a weekly pot. Have people put $5 or $10 in a pot each weigh in. Or have everyone give $20 one time, then say, whoever loses the biggest percentage of weight at the end of 12 weeks, wins that pot. Start all over again. I like the idea of local sponsors, for things like spa, pedicures, 3 month gym memberships

    Divide the group up into teams, 2 or 4 to a team, have them communicate with each other throughout the week or a buddy?
  • Photoology
    Photoology Posts: 121 Member
    Try doing a "restart".... we are getting close to the new year and have a fun "contest" for the rest of the year and inform current members that you will restart the group, inviting in new members, and those who want to remain and stay commited can stay. Sometimes you need to brutality honest to help those who need it. As many have said before, they need to be motivated themselves and maybe they need to see that and need the reality check. I am a little harsh but it can work for some. Good luck!
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    Tell them to all make an MFP account... LOL No really though, I wish I had some advice for you but just wanted to wish you luck and commend you on doing such a wonderful thing.
  • Maryjaneshoes
    Maryjaneshoes Posts: 169 Member
    My weight watchers group does "a pound for a pound" during holidays. For every pound you lose, you donate that amount in boxed/canned food...3 pounds loss, donate 3 pounds of food. The food goes to local food banks. Definitely increases motivation, there is bigger group losses during that time. Just a thought! :-)
  • claire_xox
    claire_xox Posts: 282 Member
    They are just lazy. LOL wave a donut at them.

    ....suprised to see a comment like this when so many people on here have started and quit numerous diets.
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