Support can help in many ways. It's important to find a person who is empathetic, encouraging, and nonjudgmental, someone who'll cheer you on when you're doing well and listen when you're feeling low.

Ideally, a support person also offers advice to help you through difficult times. It's not necessary for your support person to be an expert on weight management or to participate with you in a weight-management plan. But it's helpful if you can find someone who is familiar with the ups and downs of weight management. Find someone who has a knack for keeping problems in perspective and can help you arrive at sensible solutions.

If you don't have a person you can ask for this kind of support, consider professional counseling or self-help groups. Sometimes, friends and family aren't eager to listen to your weight-related concerns, but other overweight people are more likely to be receptive. Such social support reduces feelings of isolation and deprivation. If you know that others are going through similar experiences, you may feel less alone. Best of all, you can share strategies and tips about specific eating-related issues.