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Six Emotional Truths about Weight Loss Journey

 
You don’t need us to tell you why losing weight and keeping it off is hard. Everyone talks about weight loss and how wonderful your life will be, and everything will be prefect. You will be at your ideal weight. Amazing! Right?
 
What most times are not discussed or talked about is the emotional challenges you may face or might have already felt while losing weight.
 
It is a good idea to pay as much attention to the psychological changes as those physically experienced. Losing a lot of weight may feel like being on a rollercoaster ride for some. In one moment, a sense of accomplishments and pride may be felt, and in others, a low self-esteem or annoyance.
 
 

Here are some points that will prepare you for a better emotional journey towards weight loss.

 
  • Realizing that losing weight doesn’t necessarily equal true joy: A person may not feel as happy or content as they may have expected. If you are not prepared, massive weight-loss can come as a shock. The mantra, “You are still you” can serve as a great reminder through the process. Despite the weight loss, you should continue to listen to your body everyday and decipher what’s it’s trying to tell you. Enjoying the process of weight-loss is important.
 
  • Losing weight casts a spotlight on a person: Dramatic weight loss can bring about a certain amount of attention from others which may not be all that welcome. Yes, you will receive compliments, and glowing comments about your weight-loss which will validate your success. Although, such comments may make a person feel more exposed, or feel even ‘too personal’ for others to notice sometimes, you would wish to be left alone. It may also bring you the not so fond memories of sweat & crazy dieting.
 
  • Losing a lot of weight can cause intense fear and anxiety:  random thoughts may cross you, “what if I gained all the weight back?” , “What if so much weight loss could invite diseases or imbalance my hormone?” Or “will I be able to maintain my weight?”These are real emotions that is hard to express or let go. It’s a fearful state of uncertainty and doubt.
 
  • Losing weight can make a person feel vulnerable: If you have perceived yourself as a big body shaped person. A large frame may have provided you a degree of security and comfort. The society perceived you a certain way. Losing this ‘fleshy comforting barrier’ can leave a person feeling somewhat ‘vulnerable ’.
 
  • Losing a lot of weight can lead to feelings of anger: When others notice such a dramatic physical change, it can spark a little annoyance or anger. Mainly because we now realise that the people who never gave attention or spoke to us, suddenly ask about how the weight loss was achieved. At this time not all positive comments may bring joy. We already know that liking someone due to their physical appearance, means such people are superficial. And even worse, there will be people who will say- “you don’t look healthy” or “ you have lost your glow” . It can be annoying since they have no clue what you have been through and how difficult this journey has been for you.
 
  • Dramatic weight loss can affect relationships: You may feel tension about not fitting well in your social circle or in your relationships anymore. People around you may still have a big frame, and you are now slim. You may even become obsessed with your way of eating, exercising or sleeping and you may wish the same changes in your partner. This may create friction in your relationship. This can be quiet stressful since you may share a common place to eat, sleep and spend your day together.
 

So what can you do to combat these emotional challenges?

 
  • ‘Don’t play the “compareslager” game- stop comparing and instead focus on yourself. Focus on your health internally than on superficial weight-loss gains. When we compare, we start unconsciously seeking for instant gratification to fill the void for things we lack. That could mean buying fancy perfume or shoes, spending money on salon, purchasing gym gears which not necessarily is required to feel beautiful. And worst to over indulge in things we already know would sabotage our weight loss goals.
 
  • Remember losing weight may not automatically give way to self-confidence, and this shouldn’t be expected. You will fit into your desired clothing’s, YES! But it’s not a road to self- confidence. You got to look within for your strengths and how you can empower yourself more effectively to meet daily challenges. Being thinner won’t make a person perfect. Reflection on your past actions and self-awareness will help you change for better and give you more confidence to stick with your goals.
 
  • Lose the mindset that weight defines a person. Now even if you have lost the weight, maintaining the weight is the hard part. And the only way you can do this is by focusing on healthy lifestyle, and good habits. When your focus shifts, you will also make progress in your other areas of life beyond weight maintenance . You will focus on making small shifts in your overall lifestyle. Think of losing and maintaining a healthy weight as a lifestyle, which implies a lifelong commitment. A journey that never ends and you got to be patient with yourself.
 
  • No two people have the same journey- Reminding yourself , we all have our own journey to cover. When your people are still at the same place and you have moved on, you must remind yourself that we all have our own paths. To stay patient, kind and understanding is important. Tell yourself – “ I do me and you do you” . This will overcome friction and instead will be a more empowering journey for both.
 
  • Find your own community- Join a club, find an accountability coach, mentor or use the company of a friend who has lived your journey. Having a person to talk and share your emotional turbulence and anxiety from time to time can be so helpful. There is nothing selfish about seeking support. Remember this!
 
  • Set aside some time for self-reflection. Physical activity and constantly thinking about calorie control can take a mental toll on a person every now and then. Meditation, deep breathing and some quiet time can help a person restore balance and keep negativity at bay during low points. Specially times when you feel like the only one healthy amongst your peers and family. It’s ok to stay low and keep doing your thing. You know where you are heading to and the person you are becoming. And lastly love yourself all along no matter what.