If there’s one lesson to take away from Lexi and Danny’s story, it’s that an accountability partner – or, someone who can encourage, support, and help you to stick to your health goals – can keep you on track when it comes to healthy living.
Accountability partnerships have been proven to be hugely beneficial for meeting and following health goals. Studies have found that social support and having someone keep track of your activities (e.g. checking attendance at a gym) can, in fact, encourage weight loss (5, 6). Furthermore, people are more likely to lose weight and set health goals when people close to them are doing or thinking the same (8).
So if you would like to try finding a partner or group that will keep you accountable for your health goals, try following the tips below to find an accountability partner that best suits your needs:
- Try exercising with a friend, acquaintance, or family member. If someone in your life shares similar health or weight loss goals, ask if they would like to be accountability partners with you (5). Then, encourage and remind your partner of their goals as you exercise together – and your buddy will do the same for you. Remember that an accountability partner can be anyone, from a gym buddy or family member to a supportive stranger from an online community.
- Check online for an accountability group. If you don’t have anyone who can reliably keep you on track with regards to your health goals, try checking online for accountability groups and partners. Studies show that internet weight loss communities, like Dietbet, where people compete with each other and support each other through their weight loss journey, are also effective at keeping you accountable for the things you eat and do (7).
- Keep an open mind. Your accountability partner may be available for you only at certain times and places, as in the case of a gym buddy. Alternatively, you may end up finding several accountability partners, each for a different health goal. But whatever the case may be, make sure to keep in touch with your accountability partner – and try to be flexible with regards to how much time and effort they can provide you.
So if you’re looking for new ways to start eating and living healthier, consider finding yourself an accountability partner. If you’re lucky enough to find someone who can be there for you – or go through the same lifestyle change as you, as Lexi and Danny did for each other – you’ll be much more likely to reach your diet and exercise goals!