Buddy up for health

In an episode of the 1990s sitcom "News Radio," co-anchor Bill McNeal (Phil Hartman) wants to stop smoking, while news director Dave Nelson (Dave Foley) attempts to give up coffee. It's clear they aren't going to help each other become successful when Bill says: "Come on, Dave. We went a full nine and half hours. Must we continue this little charade?"

Even though those two failed, quitting a bad habit is easier when you have a buddy.

In one study of 109 people, folks on a diet with weight-loss buddies who were successfully shedding pounds lost twice as much weight as dieters who went it alone. Another study found that having a new workout buddy can skyrocket your commitment to exercise regularly. There's also the study that found the odds of quitting smoking are nearly sixfold higher for couples who quit together than for someone who tries to break the habit solo.

So, how do you find a supportive, like-minded buddy?

  •  Ask friends and family if they would like to join you.
  •  Join groups dedicated to your goal. For example, explore the Obesity Action Coalition or Nicotine Anonymous, or ask a trainer at your gym for help finding another member to buddy up with.
  •  Once you have a buddy, write down your individual goals and a realistic timeline. Then pledge to help keep each other on track.

 

(c)2019 Michael Roizen, M.D.

and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

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