Is everyone in your social circle on your side?

Long-term success requires a positive support system. This is why.

According to research and Mayo Clinic's clinical experience, your social circle's health decisions can have a significant impact on your health behaviors. If your group is health-conscious — for example, if your coworkers invite you to go on a walk with them during work breaks and your buddies prefer to grill nutritious foods — this is beneficial to you.

The bad news is that negative influences can also have an impact. Do your pals, for example, insist on eating dinner at all-you-can-eat buffets, where it's difficult to eat healthy? That is not in your favor. In fact, a research published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that having an obese friend raised a person's risk of becoming obese by 57 percent. How can you make the most of these social factors in order to improve your health? And, more importantly, how can you keep negative influences from ruining your efforts? Try out some of these suggestions.

Examine your social circle's eating habits: Do your coworkers always bring donuts to company parties? Do you and your family go out on a regular basis, primarily on harmful fast food? Is it common for supper with friends to entail overeating at places with few healthy options? Do you

eat high-calorie junk foods like chips and dip, chicken wings, and brownies while playing card games or watching sporting events on TV?

If you answered yes, you are free to communicate with your friends. Inquire whether they want to live a healthy lifestyle as well. Perhaps you can help each other make positive lifestyle improvements. Stay focused on your own healthy eating habits if they aren't ready or willing to change. Bring fruit and vegetables to the next Super Bowl party as a healthy alternative. Encourage your family to eat home-cooked meals or eat healthy takeaway.

Consider the following: Do your family outings consist primarily of sedentary activities such as going to the movies or a ballgame? Do your pals prefer to play cards or watch TV?

If you answered yes, consider adding an enjoyable physical activity to the mix. Walking with a friend or family member is an excellent method to engage in meaningful one-on-one conversations. Try golfing, hiking, tennis, or biking as a group activity. Remember that any type of physical activity might help you lose weight.

Evaluate their help: Do your buddies chastise you for trying anything new? Do they urge you to eat too much during social gatherings?

If you answered yes, ask your friends and family to encourage you rather than blame you if you make poor decisions. They are not required to change, but if they can assist you on your journey, you will be grateful. If your friends do help you make positive changes, thank them and let them know how much you appreciate their help.

You might try a new method if your social circle is still not supportive of a healthy lifestyle.

Concentrate on your top priorities. Remember that while you may not be able to control the actions of others, you can change your own. Choose one or two areas where you want to improve.

Take a look outside of your current circle of friends. If your social circle doesn't provide the type of support you require, look into groups that specialize in that area. Weight-loss programs that include peer support have been shown to help people succeed. Consider joining a community organization that focuses on weight loss. Health-care providers can also help, so chat to your nutritionist, nurse, physician assistant, or physician about it. Many businesses now have wellness champion programs, which can provide assistance. Don't forget that you can form a support group as well.

Take the lead. Don't undervalue your ability to encourage others to change. Bring healthy snacks to work, try out new healthy dishes at home, and go on daily walks with your coworkers. When you're a positive influence and role model, everyone benefits.

It's crucial to remember that having a support system is critical for long-term success. So, on your journey to a healthy self, either build a support system or take advantage of the one you already have.