Surprising someone with your weight loss once you've dropped the pounds can be fun (in a "Biggest Loser" sort of way), but losing the weight can be more difficult when you're doing it on the D.L.

An analysis of 46 studies by researchers as Tufts-New England Medical Center found that telling people about your weight loss efforts increases your chances of success. What's more, tooting your own horn can help you lose six percent more weight than people who keep their efforts under wraps.

So, if you're working hard to whittle your middle, go ahead and tell everyone you care to. The support and encouragement you'll undoubtedly receive from loved ones will help you through your toughest workouts and stick to your diet. Plus, telling others creates a sense of accountability, making you more apt to stay on track to achieving your goals.