Losing weight, and keeping it off, is difficult. More than half of people who lose a significant amount of weight regain what they lost over the following two years. And most people try to lose weight over and over again.

That's frustrating and unhealthy. Yo-yo dieting is associated with increased deposits of plaque in your arteries, accumulation of fatty tissue, muscle loss, and chronic inflammation.

If you want to avoid the lose-it-gain-it-back cycle, a study in the International Journal of Obesity suggests that teaming up with a spouse, family member, friend, or support group can transform your weight-loss journey, helping you lose and keep weight off.

To gain the power of pals, you can launch a "two-to-lose" effort. You and your pal write out your goals and set a realistic timeline (losing 0.8 to 1 pound a week) to reach your goal.

You can also write out a list of foods to avoid and foods to add to your daily menus. And you commit to a walking routine five or more days a week — either with your weight-loss supporter(s) or someone who's supporting your exercise efforts.

Another approach is to line up people who will offer support even though they aren't on a weight-loss journey. Send a daily report on what you ate to a pal; report to someone near and dear about your daily physical activity; sign up for online coaching. (Dr. Mike has a highly effective group in his e-coaching program at the Cleveland Clinic, Enforcer-E-coaching.)