Understanding the ripple effect
With World Friendship Day around the corner, it's the perfect time to revisit the ripple effect of weight loss and healthy habits.
Last year, WW released findings of a new study in partnership with the University of Connecticut, which identified a weight loss ripple effect within couples. See the press release here.
The study tracked the weight loss progress of 130 couples over six months. The researchers found that when one member of a couple commits to losing weight, there was a high chance the other partner would lose some weight too, even if they were not actively trying to do so themselves.
In the study, approximately one third of the untreated partners lost 3 per cent or more of their initial body weight after six months, despite not setting out to lose weight. A three per cent loss of body weight is considered a measurable health benefit.
The study's lead investigator, UConn Professor Amy Gorin, calls it a "ripple effect."
"When one person changes their behaviour, the people around them change," says Gorin, a behavioural psychologist.
"Whether the patient works with their healthcare provider, joins a community-based, lifestyle approach like WW, or tries to lose weight on their own, their new healthy behaviours can benefit others in their lives."
The study
Couples were divided into two groups and assessed at three and six months. In one group, one member of the couple was enrolled with WW. In the second group, one member of the couple received a four-page handout with information on healthy eating, exercise and weight control strategies (e.g. portion control and choosing a low-fat, low-calorie diet).
The results
- Joining has a positive impact on your other half - the more you lose, the more they lose
- Untreated partners in both the WW and self-help groups lost weight, suggesting a ripple effect of weight loss
- Those in the WW group lost significantly more weight than those in self-help group at 3 months, but the differences did not persist to 6 months.
- Weight loss trajectories were similar within couples.
World Friendship Day 2019
This World Friendship Day, which falls on Tuesday 30th July 2019, we're inviting you to join WW with friends and family members, and journey towards your weight loss and wellness goals together.
If you're already following the WW weight-loss programme, invite a friend to join and you'll both get a free month.
Got a friend following the programme? Join them via their unique invitation link, and you'll both enjoy a free month.
Emily lost weight and her partner Stu benefitted too!
Having lost nearly 3st while running a restaurant blog, Emily is living proof that you really can eat the foods you love while losing weight. Read her success story!
"Whilst I was losing weight, I still enjoyed going out for meals with my partner Stu and even his health has improved too! It's been great for both my relationship with myself, and with Stu!"