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Want to Lose Weight? Snap that Selfie
Snapping selfies isn’t vain and narcissistic. It’s good for weight loss. Science says so. So shut up and get out of the shot.
Progress photos, before-and-after selfies, and public declarations on social media may seem like quintessential examples of our culture’s obsession with self-promotion. However, research suggests that these acts, often dismissed as narcissistic, can be surprisingly effective tools for weight loss and achieving personal fitness goals. Turns out, the selfie is good for fat loss.
A study conducted by the Kogod School of Business at American University tracked two weight-loss groups—surgical and non-surgical—over four years. The researchers found that participating in virtual support communities (VSCs) and sharing successes, setbacks, and progress pictures played a pivotal role in helping individuals stay on track with their goals. Publicly committing to a goal in these online spaces proved to be a significant motivator for success.
Dr. Sonya Grier, co-author of the study, highlights the power of sharing personal stories and images in these communities. “The sharing of intimate information and photos about weight-loss goals in virtual spaces is a key factor in motivating behaviours that fulfill that new, thinner identity and thus help people reach their goals,” Dr Grier explains.
Virtual support communities offer unique advantages such as relative anonymity, accessibility, and flexibility allowing participants to represent their journeys in ways that feel authentic and supportive. The sense of community, even among strangers, fosters accountability and motivation.
Dr. Grier also emphasises that not everyone has access to the encouragement they need from family, friends, or coworkers. “It’s helpful that technology can support community building and goal achievement in virtual spaces,” she notes.
In an era where selfies are often dismissed as vanity this research underscores their potential to empower individuals. Progress photos and online support networks can be transformative tools, turning personal challenges into collective triumphs. So snap and film away: the humble selfie is good for weight loss.
