At different times in our lives, we lean on family, friends, and even coworkers. We commiserate over shared experiences—like the stress that comes from a new job and that not-so-amazing boss or the addition of kids, and also sad times like the relationship or friendship breakups we go through with partners (hello, lots of tissue, crying, and heart-mending) or the wonderful, happy times like weddings and births. We rely on the comfort and support system we’ve built to help us get through life.

We find camaraderie in sharing memes about work, calling our best friend to check-in every week, and venting about even more personal events, like the loss of a loved one or a miscarriage. We know that it’s crucial to have social support as we travel through ups and downs. 

That day-to-day support is also one of the most important tools to our weight care journey. 

It’s hard to have a sustainable weight care journey without a circle of social support—people in your inner circle who support you and your needs, cheer you on, and remind you who you are. Here’s how to begin looking at your relationships, identifying people you feel will be there for you, and recruiting their help in healthy ways.

Isolation and loneliness can cause a host of health issues. Many of us in the semi post-pandemic world have experienced both of these things and were able to get through it with the help of others—knowing many other people felt the same way. When we don’t have a supportive group of people or even that one close person, we’re at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and mental illness. 

Even more alarming is that research suggests loneliness and isolation lead to the same risks as smoking. "Lacking encouragement from family or friends, those who are lonely may slide into unhealthy habits. In addition, loneliness has been found to raise levels of stress, impede sleep and, in turn, harm the body. Loneliness can also augment depression or anxiety," a 2016 study led by Newcastle University epidemiologist Nicole Valtorta, PhD, explains. Having people who care about you is essential for your quality of life. 

There are other major benefits associated with having a close network. An important one is the encouragement you need to stick with your weight care journey and talk through the difficult—seemingly impossible sometimes—time that comes with it. Having a partner who supports your healthy lifestyle changes will be a huge part of your success through encouragement and praise for those wins. When you do face challenges, they can be there to boost your self-esteem and remind you how truly great you are. Additionally, you’ll stay motivated if you have a friend who’s trying to attain the same goals as you.

We know the significance of having a support team around you, but there’s ways to strengthen those bonds and foster relationships to bring the most joy to your life. A study that followed participants over the course of 20 years found that a person’s level of happiness was related to the happiness of their social networks. If a person had a happy friend who lived within a mile, the person themselves was 25 percent more likely to be happy as well. In addition, it found that a person’s happiness can be related to the happiness of someone separated by up to three degrees (a friend of a friend of a friend). Meaning, fulfillment is directly correlated to those sustainable relationships and support systems, not just immediately, but throughout your lifetime. Here’s a few ways to cultivate your relationships: