Using Social Media as an Accountability Tool

Welcome to WABC TV’s Reset Your Life: A Healthier You blog! It follows the popular show "Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition" with host Chris Powell on ABC as well as other timely health issues as they come up in the headlines. As a bonus, you will also find meal plans, exercise routines and music playlists throughout the different posts to help get you motivated to reset your life! I wanted to start this blog, because like thousands of women in the tri-state, I too have struggles and triumphs with weight.

I have had major weight losses and gains in the last 12 years. The highs and lows on the scale correspond with the highs and lows I've experienced through school and college, work and the challenges of adult life. I am on my own new journey once again to get healthy. :)

I hope you enjoyed yesterday's blog post about Steps To Good Health, the Facebook support group for folks on their own healthy journey. Just after I published yesterday's story, our Medical Reporter Dr. Sapna Parikh shared the story of another woman who used the power of social media to help her in the battle of the bulge.  Check out the story!

NEW YORK (WABC) -- There's nothing like a little support from your friends to help you reach your weight loss goal and Facebook friends count.

 

"It's amazing and it re-energizes me," said Christina McSwain.

Christina McSwain from Brooklyn lost 50 pounds and says social media definitely helped.

"Once people start to see a little bit of progress in your journey they kind of encourage you and root for you," she said.

 

Posting or tweeting details of your progress and announcing your goal can also hold you accountable.

 

"Once it's out there you can't take it back! And people are watching you," adds Christina.

Christina posts updates from her workouts, uses Instagram workout suggestions and sometimes she posts a picture of the meal she's about to eat.

 

"The more people that know what you're trying to do or what you're supposed to be doing the more you're going to stick to it because you have those people looking out for you, they're giving you encouragement, and they'll help remind you if you're tempted to miss a workout or have that extra snack," said Andrea Rumschlag, a dietitian with Cleveland Clinic.

And for some reason people seem to post pictures of food. If you're trying to lose weight it can help, it's like a food journal to keep you accountable.

 

Your friends can celebrate your success or help you get back on the wagon and who knows, you may get some good recipe ideas in the process.

"You realize that you're not alone and there are so many people that are so willing to connect with you for a cause that's so great," adds Christina.

 

People also connect together and form Facebook weight loss groups and a recent study from the University of South Carolina looked at Twitter and weight loss. They followed almost 100 overweight men and women and found those who tweeted updates on a regular basis, and got feedback from a weight loss counselor and other participants, lost more weight.

Follow me on Twitter and share you story with me! @carminmarie

I'll see you here soon with more encouraging weight loss stories and health news.

**This program is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with your doctor for treatment of any medical condition and before beginning any diet or exercise regimen.**

 

Comments

[Jorge Jackson]

While you can certainly put social media policies in place, the reality is that anyone can say just about anything about your organization in social media. The overwhelming majority of what people say about nonprofits is positive or neutral, but when the negative does appear, responding to it directly, calmly, and thoughtfully goes a long way.

[white bean extract]

These articles and blogs are truly enough for me for a day.

[Dallas SEO]

Its always good to learn tips like you share about social media. Thanks!