Support Groups for Obese Women

Weight-related support groups for women provide the mutual support necessary for members to achieve compliance with weight-loss protocols and to understand the underlying issues that accompany and exacerbate obesity. The validation and support shared among members assists in the facilitation of personal growth and change in a way that individual therapy cannot. Although experts and professionals can provide support and positive direction, the mutual exchange of information between group members is a powerful experience that can promote positive and lasting change.

The strength of support groups lies in the members and their willingness to share their own experiences, challenges, and solutions in the context of the group. Because studies have proven what many already know about the experiences and quality-of-life differences between male and female obese individuals, people often have strong feelings about the kind of group that they want to join. Some feel that only someone who has been there will understand and make a good group member or leader. For these reasons, some believe that “women only” support groups are best.

Successful support groups specifically for women recognize that women are more likely to define themselves through relationships with others most like themselves. This type of peer support group consists of those who have similar experiences and is built on the relationship theory approach based on the assumption that women value relationships differently than men. Women-only support groups can provide a way for women to explore their experiences [Page 732]and to form healthy relationships with others in what they consider a safe environment. Laughing about and exploring the unique experiences one has had as the result of a common situation or circumstance is best done with others who have walked a mile in the same shoes.

Many women prefer this type of single-gender support environment where they can regain their confidence, deal with problems specific to themselves, and generally feel that they can really open up. For many, it is the first time they are free from feeling like some terrible misfit, or that they are being judged. It is easier for them to establish trust and ensure confidentiality with other women, although neither issue should be taken lightly. Members of female obesity support groups feel free and open to discuss the most intimate and controversial aspects of their lives.

As a result, there exists a rare form of unconditional acceptance between the members. That is not to say there is no conflict or differences of opinion; however, the differences are respected and generally accepted. Women connect with other women in a very unique way—the more homogeneous the group, the greater the members' ability to bond with one another.

Giving Encouragement

A main difference in communications styles between men and women in support group settings is that men are more than twice as likely to give information and women are more than twice as likely to give encouragement and support. Where women provide emotional support and empathy, men offer instrumental support or try to minimize the importance of problems. Men tend to devote a greater proportion of their time to talk about unrelated issues, and a larger proportion of any actual problem talk involves denying or convoluting the problem. For many women, this is not a productive means of support and is why many prefer women-only support groups where they are more likely to receive the emotional support they are seeking.

...