The article is developed in partnership with BetterHelp.
Because obesity is on the rise in America, it’s no surprise that more people are trying to lose weight. Every year, an estimated $3.3 billion is spent on diets by the country’s 45 million dieters. People seeking to reduce weight only have a 20 percent success rate in keeping it off for the long term, a study from the National Weight Control Registry found.
People who are trying to lose weight for reasons of health or self-esteem may find it more difficult due to this uphill battle. Although long-term weight loss is achievable, it is crucial to know that there are significant mental and emotional benefits to achieving that objective. Let’s have a look at how a leaner you might have a favorable effect on your mood.
Weight loss can have a favorable effect on your mental and emotional well-being as follows:
Self-Esteem
Positive and negative reactions to one’s weight can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem. And if you think you’re unattractive, you may assume that’s how everyone else sees you, which could make you less eager to improve your appearance since you think it’s pointless.
A better outlook on life and a more positive body image are all benefits of overcoming challenges with self-esteem in order to meet your weight loss objectives. The way others see you will only reaffirm your success stories. This is a huge step in achieving personal satisfaction with one’s body image, which is critical to one’s general well-being.
Depression Symptoms
Many people who are overweight or dissatisfied with their weight begin to suffer from depression or low self-esteem. Some people who are depressed may gain weight, while others may lose it. If you are depressed about your weight and resort to food for consolation, this cycle can become a vicious one. Depression can impact your eating habits.
Your self-confidence will increase as a result of taking action to improve your health and lose weight, and this will in turn make you more hopeful and minimize the symptoms of depression you’re feeling.
A practical and sustainable approach to weight loss is critical, as fad diets and extreme exercise regimens are frequently difficult to maintain over the long term and can lead to weight loss that is quickly followed by a re-gain of lost pounds.
Why would you put off making a lifestyle change that has both physical and mental health advantages?
Quality of Health
There is a heightened risk of several illnesses, including hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea, because of the rise in obesity in children and adults. Even a small amount of weight loss can help you sleep better, reduce stress, increase your energy, mood, vitality, and can even help restore libido. It can also spur you on to greater levels of physical activity and health-promoting behaviors.
Social Anxiety
People who are overweight or unhappy with their appearance often suffer from social anxiety, which can be alleviated by decreasing weight and exercising more.
Anxiety-inducing situations like eating out, public transportation, and meeting new lots of new people all become more difficult if you’re unhappy with your size. If you’re feeling apprehensive about any of these situations, you’ll gain confidence and a sense of calm by improving your physical and mental well-being.
A Feeling of Accomplishment
There are millions of people who struggle with weight loss and fewer than a quarter of them manage to shed pounds and keep them off for long periods of time, so this may not seem like much. Losing weight not only makes you feel better about yourself and improves your health, but it may also give you a strong sense of success that can motivate you to continue your weight loss efforts and keep the weight off in the long term as well.
