The Psychological Side of Weight Gain & Obesity
Persuasive and Factual Reasons to Shed Pounds and Lose Body Fat
It is occurring right now all around the world… millions of pounds are being gained, leading to obesity, unhealthy living and inactivity. On the outside, people who are overweight share all of the same physical symptoms and tell tale signs of obesity including bloating, belly fat, disproportionately large body size, ill fitting clothing, pudginess, sagging skin, jiggling arms and thighs that rub together.
What many do not understand is the equally damaging symptoms on the inside that no one else can see except the person battling the weight gain and obesity.
Self Loathing Often Goes Hand in Hand with Obesity
In many cases, overweight people, men and women alike. enter into a very dangerous and damaging cycle of self loathing. As it is with many addictions (and for million of people, food is just that), there exists this vicious concentric series of events that repeats over and over, on a daily basis.
With overweight women and men who overeat to the point of morbid obesity, this cycle can involves the following steps, although the patterns are as different and unique as each individual:
- Feeling lonely, desperate or dejected
- Eating to feel better and alleviate some of the depressive symptoms
- Self loathing about the overeating that just occurred
- Beginning back at #1 again… and again… and again
Hating Food Instead of Loving Life
Many people with eating addictions and disorders, as well as those struggling with weight and obesity have a sincere love/hate relationship with food. The unfortunate part of the equation is that it is often a narrowly focused, one dimensional love that goes quickly from satiation to self loathing.
To break the cycle, it is important to replace that love/hate relationship with food with a vigorous and hearty love for life. Often this means reaching out to friends, family and co-workers to reconnect with the world that is not centered around eating; getting involved in social activities within the community and developing a voracious appetite to live life to the fullest without food.
An Urgency to Blend In Instead of Standing Out
For many overweight people, the goal is to blend in rather than stand out in social settings. Rarely do they want to be the star of the show, because that means drawing attention to their physical appearance and perhaps having to deal with disapproval.
What the obese individual is not aware of is that by withdrawing from other people and not wanting to be a vital part of a social scene or situation, the cycles become worse.
The Psychological Scars of Weight Gain and Obesity
Although not true in 100% of cases, the psychological pain caused by obesity often includes self loathing, awkwardness and avoidance of social situations and nurturing a love/hate relationship with food, resulting in emotional and mental scars. In this day and age, with so many support groups, and even the Biggest Loser television show, there is no reason to suffer in silence.
If family at home is not a strong area of support, it is important to seek out the much necessary support in a different place – perhaps at work, church or the book club. The important thing is to find that support system and use it. It is one of the most critical aspects of breaking the overeating cycle and overcoming obesity.
Research Sources:
Jennifer Crocker, Julia Garcia. University of Michigan. Self Esteem and the Stigma of Obesity, September 2004 (http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/crockerlab/articles/2005_Crocker_Garcia_Self-Esteem_&_Stigma_of_Obesity.pdf)
Andrew Hill. Academic Unit of Psychiatry, Leeds University Medical School. Psycho-Social Issues in Child Obesity, 2006. (http://www.gloucestershirehlp.nhs.uk/userfiles/docstore/pdf/Psycho-social%20issues%20in%20child%20obesity%20-%20Andrew%20Hill.pdf)
Obesity Can Lead to Depression & Social Withdrawal
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