Weight Loss Programs that Work. I set about losing 40 Kilograms (88 Pounds) in September 2020, and I kept them off, placed myself into diabetic remission and reduced my prescription medications from sixteen to six.
Before change is possible, there must be change first. Weight Loss Programs fail because neural pathways have not been changed, and they are set as a foundation stone for the healthy person you want to be.
Weight loss programs often fail because they don’t address the fundamental neural pathways that drive our eating behaviours and metabolism. Research has shown that dieting can strengthen the neural connections that promote hunger, making it harder to lose weight in the long term. This ‘set point’ theory suggests that our bodies have a preferred weight range that they try to maintain, resisting efforts to change it. We must alter these deeply ingrained neural pathways to achieve lasting change and reset our body’s ‘normal’ weight by using a holistic approach beyond restricting calories. It involves incorporating lifestyle modifications, addressing emotional triggers, and allowing the body to adapt to new patterns. This comprehensive method reassures us that we can lay a new foundation for sustainable weight loss and overall health by focusing on rewiring our brain’s response to food and hunger.
The psychology behind why overweight individuals struggle to make decisions about losing weight is complex and multifaceted. Research has shown that obesity not only affects physical health but also has significant impacts on mental well-being and the decision-making process, highlighting the profound struggle these individuals face.
One key factor is the influence of reward sensitivity on behaviour. Overweight individuals often exhibit heightened sensitivity to rewards, making it challenging to resist immediate gratification in favour of long-term health goals such as reducing the risk of chronic diseases or improving overall quality of life. This increased reward sensitivity can lead to a cycle of emotional eating and difficulty adhering to weight management programs, as the immediate pleasure of food becomes a powerful motivator.
Psychological barriers such as low self-esteem, negative body image, and societal stigma, which we as a society need to address, also play crucial roles in avoiding weight loss decisions. The pervasive discrimination and judgment faced by overweight individuals can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression, which may cause them to withdraw from social interactions and avoid addressing their weight issues. This social isolation can further exacerbate negative emotions and reinforce unhealthy eating habits.
The concept of loss aversion, a psychological phenomenon where people prefer to avoid losses rather than acquire equivalent gains, also affects how overweight individuals perceive weight loss efforts. The fear of failing at weight loss attempts or the perceived ‘loss’ of comfort foods can outweigh the potential benefits of a healthier lifestyle in their minds. This psychological tendency to avoid losses more strongly than to seek gains can make starting a weight loss journey seem daunting and unappealing.
Stress and emotional disorders further complicate the decision-making process for overweight individuals. The struggle with weight can create a cycle of frustration and emotional distress, leading to increased stress levels and potentially worsening anxiety and depression. These emotional states can then drive comfort eating behaviours, making it even more challenging to break the cycle and commit to weight loss.
Lastly, the physiological changes associated with obesity, such as leptin resistance, significantly impact decision-making abilities. Leptin, a hormone that regulates hunger, becomes less effective in obese individuals, leading to a constant feeling of hunger. This physiological drive to eat can override rational decision-making processes, making it extremely difficult for overweight individuals to commit to and maintain weight loss efforts without addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances. This underscores the urgent need to address these physiological factors in treating obesity. Commit to and sustain weight loss efforts without addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances.
Tomorrow i will tell you why consuming Monounsaturated Fats in Moderation is essential to your health.
