Is Losing Weight Together More Effective?

The Scientific Benefits of Losing Weight with the Support of a Partner, Family, or Friends

The process of losing weight is not just about following a diet list or an exercise plan. The real challenge lies in adapting this process to daily life and maintaining it over time. Many people start with strong motivation, but as weeks pass, motivation decreases, old habits return, and the process is often left unfinished. Scientific research shows that one of the main reasons for this cycle is trying to do it alone.

Recent studies clearly demonstrate that starting a weight-loss journey together with a partner, family members, friends, or close social circles significantly affects both the amount of weight lost and the ability to maintain that weight loss.

How Does Social Support Affect Weight Loss?

Weight loss is fundamentally a behavior change process. Without changes in eating habits, physical activity levels, and daily routines, sustainable weight loss is not possible. However, behavior change is one of the most difficult processes to maintain alone.

This is where social support becomes crucial. Having someone walking toward the same goal prevents individuals from feeling isolated. When weight loss is started together, people feel responsible not only to themselves but also to the person accompanying them. This sense of shared responsibility reduces the likelihood of giving up and increases long-term commitment.

Scientific Evidence for Losing Weight with Friends or Family

One of the strongest pieces of evidence on this topic comes from a study published in 1999 by Wing and Jeffery. The study compared individuals who participated in a weight-loss program alone with those who participated together with a friend or family member.

The results showed that individuals who started with social support:

Stayed in the program longer
Lost more weight
Were more successful in maintaining weight loss

The researchers emphasized that social support is not merely a source of motivation but a key factor in making behavior change sustainable. In other words, success is not just about staying motivated, but about continuing even when motivation declines.

Is the “Buddy System” More Effective for Weight Loss?

The “Buddy Benefit” study published in 2018 provided clearer numerical evidence. In this study, some participants in a weight-loss program selected a “buddy” — a partner, friend, relative, or close acquaintance.

The findings showed that participants with a buddy:

Lost more weight
Experienced greater reductions in waist circumference
Had lower dropout rates

Importantly, the study highlighted that the quality of communication mattered. The best outcomes occurred when buddies were supportive and understanding, while also encouraging accountability and goal-oriented behavior. Starting together does not mean applying pressure, but rather helping each other get back up.

The Biggest Challenge in Weight Loss: Sticking with the Program

For many people, the hardest part of losing weight is not starting, but continuing. In scientific literature, this is referred to as “adherence.”

A large meta-analysis published in 2016 by Lemstra and colleagues examined dozens of weight-loss studies and found that social support was one of the strongest factors increasing adherence to weight-loss programs.

According to the findings, individuals in programs that included social support:

Maintained diet and lifestyle changes for longer periods
Were significantly less likely to drop out

This demonstrates that weight-loss success depends not only on individual willpower but also on how the process is shared.

The Advantages of Losing Weight Together as a Couple

One of the most recent and comprehensive sources of evidence comes from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2024, which examined couple-based lifestyle interventions.

The results showed that individuals who participated in weight-loss programs together with their partners:

Achieved greater weight loss
Developed more sustainable healthy eating habits at home
Maintained weight loss for longer periods

Researchers emphasized the powerful role of the home environment. When individuals living in the same household make decisions together, changes in shopping, cooking, and daily routines become easier. This transforms weight loss from an individual effort into a shared lifestyle change.

Who Is Losing Weight Together Suitable For?

Scientific evidence indicates that losing weight together is beneficial not only for couples, but also for anyone who lives together or has frequent close contact. Family members, close friends, and even colleagues can achieve higher success and adherence when they go through the process together.

What matters most is not who you start with, but walking toward the same goal with the same determination.

Conclusion: Losing Weight Is More Sustainable Together

Scientific research presents a clear picture. Individuals who start their weight-loss journey together with a partner, family members, or close friends tend to lose more weight and maintain their success longer than those who start alone.

Weight loss is not just about changing numbers on a scale; it is about transforming daily life. And this transformation becomes easier, stronger, and more sustainable when it is shared.

Scientific References

Wing RR, Jeffery RW. Benefits of recruiting participants with friends and increasing social support for weight loss and maintenance. J Consult Clin Psychol. 1999. PMID: 10028217
Thompson L et al. The Buddy Benefit: Increasing the Effectiveness of an Employee-Targeted Weight-Loss Program. 2018. PMID: 29452062
Lemstra M, Bird Y et al. Weight loss intervention adherence and factors promoting adherence: a meta-analysis. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016. PMID: 27574404
Arvanitidou EI et al. The effectiveness of couples’ lifestyle interventions on weight change. Nutr Health. 2024. PMID: 39529350

Starting together leads to more sustainable change.

With this understanding, we are entering the Better Together period in our Allurion program. By starting the program at the same time with your partner, family member, or close companion, you can make your weight-loss journey stronger and more lasting. For detailed information and suitability assessment, you may contact our clinic.

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