I think a weight loss - Teens group would be great. It would really help to talk to people my age (17) more often about their habits, and how they work around school, jobs, and a social life.

I'm a little insulted by a few people saying that a Teen group is a "no-no" or should be monitored very well. Not all teens are bulimics or anorexics in the makings. I know that I am completely capable of giving healthy advice and disregarding questionable advice.

So, yes, I would love a teen weight loss group. =]

i like the suggestions

I think it's a gerat idea to get more specific with the groups. There might be members taht are hesitant about posting because they feel a little intimadated. Plus I think it would make it easier to navigate through the group if it were limited to specific topics.
I think a +100 to lose group would be good. New mom group, healthy families (weight loss/life style changes together as a family) and also a group for seniors (weight loss and gain). Is there already a food allergy group?

I would support a 100+ one but would recommend you not spilt into teeens and gender specifc otherwise you begin to iosolate a variety of folks (like me--I'm not a 20 something, teeen or woman). If you want to go after ages and genders, you could also do religion but be real specific like the following;
1. Babtist with Less Than 20 to Lose
2. Babtist with More Than 20 to Lose
3. Catholics with Less Than 20 to Lose
4. Catholics More Than 20 to Lose
5. Jews with Less Than 20 to Lose
6. Jews with More Than 20 to Lose
7. Athesist with Less than...
8. Agnostics Who Aren't Sure
9. Converts Who Struggle With Which To Do
10. Zealots Who Won't Accept Any of the Above and and Will Go Down Fighting for It


That might make it a little more interesting. ;)

With all due respect and the utmost concern, I am curious with all the ideas presented by everyone ... IF DS divides into many of these groups, do you think there will be enough members to support each type of group? Is everyone committed to supporting the group they mentioned so that no one falls through the cracks when our lives get busy?

Am just thinking over my past weight loss experiences and was wondering .. would I then need to change from group to group as my age changed, my diet plan changed, if I wanted to learn more about a specific plan, or if I started at a particular weight say over 100, would I then change when I reached 50? 25? 10?

Love all the ideas and if that is what it would truly take to get and keep people engaged with DS and their transition to a healthier lifestyle and weight loss then that is great!

Am sincerely concerned that our groups might then be small enough to not adequately support each other with our busy lifestyles. Would truly love to hear feedback ...

Weight loss and supporting each person that wishes to attain it is a passion of mine and I truly believe that anyone who has the desire to do this, truly can succeed.

Heartfelt support and sunshine wishes ... Ranae

i think the healthy eating is a great idea. i have such a hard time eating healthy as a single person living alone, where fast food is so much easier and quicker.

I like all the suggestions, but talking to older people is good because we have insight. ;)

My litle sister got some bad info from a peer and she got a too late cancer diagnosis.

I also like learning alot from others. If a topic gets too focused you run the risk of three people being the only ones on a topic. Just a thought.

The really focused categories are sometimes laborious and you have to be a member, can't get through very many.

I tend to go to the ones that have more traffic to read as many posts as possible with one visit.

Love this site! Thank you for asking Doug!

I would love to see weight loss groups specific to the amount of weight one is trying to lose.