Support systems are nice to have when you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle. For the past few years, the Twitter world has offered information and a support network for people who may not have found it IRL (in real life). By adding a certain hashtag to your tweet, you can instantly join with the most supportive and trusted weight loss resources online.

We’ve found a few Twitter memes, or communities, that have really grown to be the go-to resources for socially supported weight loss, fitness, and health. Not only do you get a virtual support group, but accountability, guidance, and access to resources are part of the package, or rather hashtag.

#RunChat

The running community is brought together on #runchat, organized by @RunningBecause and @iRunnerBlog. Whether a beginner or marathoner, there is a place for you at #RunChat. About one million people unite on this trending topic on Twitter. Followers benefit from a sense of a community that cares deeply about the sport of running and are willing to share information with each other. Join this Twitter community on #RunChat on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month at 8pm EST.
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It is Friday, December 21 and the Mayans were wrong! Since the world didn’t end, it is time for you to get a dose of healthy news from us and our friends! As we slowly approach the new year, we’ve compiled 2012′s most buzz worthy  healthy stories. In addition, we have our most pinned recipes of the year with a  new healthy donut recipe.

California’s Push for Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods

You couldn’t get around the web this year without seeing news about Genetically Modified Foods (GMO). Earlier this year people in California wanted their food packaging to be labeled with a GMO stamp, letting them know if it had any genetically modified ingredients. It was the people of California versus giant food industry companies, like Kelloggs and General Mills. However, Californians going up against the multi-million dollar food industry companies is easier said than done. The initiative may have failed on the ballot, but expect more big action from this movement in 2013.

The 6 Miracle Diets Dr. Oz Tried to Sell Us in 2012

Looking to lose weight without the hard work? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, if you watch the Dr. Oz show the doc will try to sell you a miracle weight loss diet in what feels like every episode. Check out the six miracle diets that Dr. Oz tried selling to the masses this year, that we debunked! We can’t wait to see what kind of miracle diets Dr. Oz will have up his sleeves for 2013.

Jillian Michaels Announces Return to Biggest Loser With a Big Twist [VIDEO]

Biggest Loser season 14 will be return with new faces, new cast members, and old faces, like Jillian Michaels! Her announcement to return to Biggest Loser was all the buzz this fall. Not only will she be motivating and training overweight adults, but she will be helping overweight children tackle their weight as well! Biggest Loser returns January 6, and the show’s new concept will surely have Americans watching, since childhood obesity is a growing epidemic in America.

New York City Soda Ban Passes; Soda Industry Plans to Fight [UPDATED]

Earlier this year, Mayor Bloomberg proposed a soda ban in New York City. Any sugary beverage over 16 ounces could not be sold in New York City. The proposal was a way Mayor Bloomberg could help fight the obesity epidemic in his city. On October 12, 2012 the soda ban was passed and now the soda industry plans to fight back. Do you think the ban will help fight obesity? Tell us what you think!

The Obamacare Vote and How it Affects the Health of Americans

Besides the 2012 presidential election, Obamacare was one of the most talked about issues in America this year. The Affordable Care Act, commonly known now as Obamacare, requires Americans to carry health insurance. For those who cannot afford health insurance the act makes it more affordable for them. There are many pros and cons to Obamacare, take a look to see how the act will affect your health.
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We’re just hours away from the weekend! That means it is time for a dose of healthy news from DIR and our friends. This week’s headliners from our team include People Magazines’ Sexiest Man Alive, our partnership with The Best Life Diet for a Holiday Survival Guide, and Los Angeles adoption of Meatless Monday. Also, we have headliners from Mamavation, ABC News, and Shape Magazine. Don’t forget to check out this week’s holiday appetizer recipes including a pumpkin hummus recipe found only on HelloGiggles.

5-Week Holiday Survival Guide with $5000 in Prizes from The Best Life and DietsInReview

The holidays officially starts next week on Thanksgiving. We know how hard it is to resist overeating during these festivities and to maintain a fitness routine. This is why we have partnered with The Best Life for a five-week Holiday Survival Guide. Together, we are offering more than $5000 in prizes to help you stay healthy and fit. The Holiday Survival Guide kicks off on November 20, 2012.

Channing Tatum’s Workouts Earn Him Title of Sexiest Man Alive

Every year People Magazine dubs one fine representative from the male half of Hollywood as the Sexiest Man Alive. This year’s Sexiest Man Alive is Channing Tatum, an actor in the limelight for quite some time, but 2012 was definitely his year. Check out the fitness moves that made Channing Tatum this year’s Sexiest Man Alive.

Los Angeles Adopts Meatless Monday for the Health of its Citizens

Thinking about going vegetarian for one day? Well in Los Angeles, you can go meatless on Mondays! LA City Council has approved to adopt Meatless Monday for the city, which can help with LA’s obesity problem and environmental issues as well. Do you think Meatless Mondays in LA will be successful?
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We are hours away from the weekend! Get ready with a healthy dose of news. We highlighted this week’s headliners from DIR which are GMO Labeling Losing in California, Marathoners Run to Recover NYC, and Nutristystem’s First Female CEO. Also we have headliners from the Atlantic.com, ABC’s Liz Neporent. Plus, see re-elected President Obama is eating at the White House and a healthy soup recipe from AroundThePlate.org.

GMO Labeling Didn’t Win the Battle in California, but We Haven’t Lost the War

For the past couple of months, millions united to educate the California electorate about GMO and Prop 37. Unfortunately, GMO labeling did not get enough ‘yes’ votes and there will be no law to inform consumers of what they’re eating. But those who were for GMO labeling are remaining optimistic, and we speak with Leah Segedie to understand why.

New York City Marathoners Run Anyway in the Race to Recover

Although the New York City Marathon was cancelled after Hurricane Sandy, runners still ran, but for a whole new cause. Hurricane Sandy left millions without power and a roof over their head. ING has transformed The 2012 ING New York City Marathon into “Race to Recover, which has raised about $2.6 million to assist those in need.

Nutrisystem Names Dawn Zier the Company’s First Female CEO

Female-centric brand Nutrisystem announced its new CEO this week, Dawn Zier, who will become the first female CEO for the company later this month. Zier will begin her new role on November 15, just weeks before “diet season.” It is unlikely that the company will have any major programs announced within the next couple of months, but it will be interesting to see what direction Nutrisystem takes under Zier.
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Losing weight can be a struggle, which is why there are many different types of weight loss programs people can try. Weight Watchers is a leader, topping best-of lists year after year, and a weight loss program formulated to help people eat healthier while incorporating more physical activity into their lifestyles. Millions have had successfully lost weight with the help of Weight Watchers, including celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Hudson, and Ginnifer Goodwin. Weight Watchers isn’t just another diet, it may very well be one of the better approaches to weight loss overall.

As reported by ABCNews, a new study published this week in the journal Obesity found weight loss programs like Weight Watchers could be as effective in losing weight as clinical programs.

The study followed 141 overweight or obese adults who were split in three groups. One group was in a weight loss behavioral program led by a health professional, or Weight Watchers. Another group was led by instructors who have had a successful weight loss journey. And, the third group was a combination of the two.

Participants were involved in group counseling with either professionals or their peer groups and they changed their diet and incorporated more physical activity into their lives. Researchers followed the participants for a year and in the end saw tremendous amount of weight loss from the participants.
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