Online resources for weight loss
Alyssa Monson, Registered Dietitian
CentraCare Weight Management
In a world where technology reigns, why not find support and resources for your weight loss journey online and with technology? Check out the resources below to get started.
A few keywords entered into your favorite search engine and you will have many options at your fingertips. To help narrow down your results, add more specific keywords such as fitness, weight loss, bariatric surgery, running, walking, etc.
Popular online support groups
Hospital support groups
Check out your local hospital to see if they host any support groups in your area. We host our very own Weight Loss Surgery Support group at the St. Cloud Hospital from 5:15-6:15 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at St. Cloud Hospital Riverside Conference Center. Please enter the hospital through the North Entrance, go towards the Lakes Elevator and follow the signs reading “Weight Loss Surgery Support Group” to the meeting room.
Facebook groups
Type your keywords in the search box to find what you are looking for.
Twitter
Search hashtags. These are used to identify a certain topic people are talking about. Some common hashtags are #weightloss, #health, #fitness, #nutrition and #WLS.
Instagram
Instagram is known as a place to share photos of your life. If you look closely, you will notice users also take advantage of hashtags to help categorize their post. You can search hashtags on Instagram just like on Twitter.
Pinterest
Pinterest is a visual bookmarking site that allows you to create boards of things you find online. Pinterest users can find recipes, health tips, workouts, motivation and more!
Guess what! CentraCare Weight Management has our very own board. Just search CentraCare Health on Pinterest. Then find the Weight Management board and enjoy!
Mobile apps
Use mobile apps to help motivate you to keep going, track your activity and food and connect with others who use the app.
- MyFitnessPal (free, upgrade to premium for $49.99/year): You can use this app to track food intake, exercise and fluid intake. It also has a vibrant community of users to motivate. Feeling extra brave? You can even make your tracker public allowing others to see what you eat and your usual exercise. You also can share with just certain people (family, friends, trainer, dietitian, etc.) to keep you accountable to your goals).
- Sworkit (free): This app allows you to customize and play personalized video workouts. There are some pre-loaded workouts (upper body, lower body, full body, core, etc.). You also can mix and match by choosing each exercise individually. You then pick the amount of time you have to work out and the app automatically sets a timer for each exercise and guides you to move to the next exercise when time is up.
- MapMyFitness (free): This fitness track app allows you to use the GPS in your mobile device to track all of your fitness activities.
- Couch to 5K: Looking to participate in one of the various 5Ks in the area? This app guides you through a 9-week program to get you from couch to running (or walking) your first 5K.
- AllTrails (free): This app provides information about trails in your area so you will be able to find the perfect hike for you. You also can filter by dog-friendly, kid-friendly or wheelchair-friendly trails.
- Zombies, Run! (free): This app gives you a fun alternative to the sound of nature or music when you are out walking or running.
