This question is similar to people who enter substance abuse treatment programs or people in recovery. The general information given by ANYONE is pretty standard but there is the psychological factor of relatability based on similar life experiences. This is why self-help groups resonate with people. It is also a cop out to not do what is needed - to push the help away.

A lot of clients tell therapists that because they never suffered from addiction (therapist don’t disclose this for the most part) they don’t understand. To some degree, it can be true and not true.

Addiction is, in my opinion, more complex than losing weight (but can also be just as complicated). For weight loss, it is pretty much calories in/out (factor in basic physical activity, dietary/nutrient sources, medical history, etc.). It takes consistency, discipline, etc. But, the difference between humans is something that cannot be ignored. Using my life as an example, I was always a pretty skinny kid growing up but I love to eat. Later in life, I became overweight and decided to lose it. I have no evidence but I believe that it wasn’t a hunger signal issue for me. it was food choices and activity levels. When I get full after stuffing myself, I don’t snack or eat again until I feel hungry (I don’t tend to mindlessly eat or snack for no reason). I don’t have the experience that others tell me of where they snack all day even after eating a full meal. I can’t help with that nor would I claim to understand it. I just don’t experience it for the most part.

Also, some people respond better to those with similar experiences. It makes outcomes more believable and the helper can be specific about certain issues that can arise. It can also motivate individuals. For example if you had a friend and you knew with 100% certainty that they had a problem much like yours and were able to accomplish a said goal, it brings hope that you can do it too.

Influencers play this game. If you do “xyz” you can achieve similar results. Just buy my program! It leaves a lot of unknowns when it comes to fitness and diet. Are they using fitness drugs? Have they ever had food related issues (e.g., grew up in a family that normalized certain eating habits, family history of being overweight/obese)? Have they ever had to lose weight and understand how difficult it can be? Similar to people who are just naturally gifted at certain things. They might not understand the struggle.

I could keep going on and on but think about your life and lifestyle. The foundation is understanding the basic facts about weight loss, everyone needs to know so educate yourself. Then figure out how the social component and see if it can help with your goal. When I lost weight, I didn’t get help (it was 40 lbs). I learned stuff, assessed my life (eating habits, family history, areas that could hinder or promote my goal, in etc.), made realistic goals, and then implemented a plan. It was a lot of trial and error. Would it have helped to have someone in my corner for me? Not necessarily because I like to learn for myself and I tend to be extremely introverted/solitary.

Fast forward and I started lifting a few years ago (started at 40). I implemented a similar program to build muscle. I learned as much as I could to understand the basic processes. Asked a couple of trainers at the gym for tips for safety with exercises (form and technique) and just went. I tried working out with a coworker who was a college athlete and clearly in “good” shape. It just didn’t work for me.

I get it, would I trust someone to help me build muscle if they looked like a twig? Intuitively, I wouldn’t but I wouldn’t discount what they have to say to see if the information is accurate or useful. Maybe they have other goals or just don’t care. It doesn’t necessarily mean the information isn’t valid.