Social Networks for Serious Change: Making Health a Group Effort

Social Networks for Serious Change: Making Health a Group Effort

  Even in adulthood, peer pressure can be easy to      succumb to. We are all familiar with that desire to skip a workout or bypass a healthy meal due to the persistence of a coworker, family member or friend. 

But what if the popular choice was the healthy choice? What if there was a network in place that supported each of us instead of deterring us from reaching our wellness goals?

That is exactly what Dr. Miriam Nelson is doing with her StrongWomen Across America Tour. Nelson is traveling from Kenai, Alaska to Brodheadsville, PA and stopping in 8 towns along the way, to start ‘Change Clubs’ in communities she has previously visited. Think of it like a real live social network, one that connects like-minded individuals to not only make strides in improving their own health, but to incite change in their communities as well. 

The continuous rise in both childhood and adult obesity rates makes it clear that there is a need for change across America. But will starting social clubs really cause individuals to make healthier decisions? Results of past research certainly make the idea sound promising. An often-referenced 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine followed 12,067 people over the course of 32 years to determine if there was an association between an individual’s relationships and the spread of obesity. Researchers found a person’s chance of becoming obese raised 57% if that person had a friend who became obese, raised 40% if that person had sibling who became obese, and raised 37% if that person had a spouse who became obese. Men seemed to have a greater influence on men and women on women.

Following the reasoning that individuals in a social network can make each other gain weight, Nelson is creating Change Clubs to encourage individuals to lose weight, exercise more, and make their communities healthier environments for all residents. Some examples include offering healthier food at the concession stands in Choteau, Montana and starting nature walks in Kenai, Alaska.

When embarking on your own wellness plan, think of including your friends and family. Not only will you raise your chances of success, but you will also be teaching and helping them along the way. Even if you aren’t currently setting new health or activity goals, consider the idea of a change club in your community. Making progress on health can be a challenge, but we are always stronger as a team than when we stand alone.

For more information about the StrongWomen Tour or to start a change club of your own, please visit http://www.strongwomen.com/tour/.

How have you motivated colleagues, friends or family to adopt healthy habits?