About those before and after selfies and public announcements of going to the gym? New research confirms that these announcements and progress updates are helpful for achieving weight and fitness goals. The study followed two weight-loss groups, surgical and non-surgical, over a four-year period. They found that participating in and sharing successes and setbacks in virtual support communities (VSC) is an important part of achieving goals and through the public's commitment to weight loss. “Sharing intimate information and photos about weight loss goals in virtual space is an important factor in motivating behaviors that fulfill that new, thinner identity, helping people achieve their goals.”
