Does the 'buddy system' approach to weight loss work?

One of the more common self-improvement goals, particularly in the winter months before 'beach body' season, is to lose weight. How people attempt to achieve their goals may vary by individual, but one of the more popular approaches is enrollment in a commercial weight loss program that uses a 'buddy system' approach to weight loss. But does it work? According to some new research, it does, but possibly not in the ways most people assume.