Basics
October 13, 2020

Jem Fundano

What You Need To Know About Weight Loss and Management

A lot of people face challenges when it comes to their weight. Weight gain can be caused by aging, injury, or a variety of reasons. When you excessively gain weight, health risks and mental health challenges can arise. Engaging in weight loss and management can help you out. Here's what you need to know if you're trying to manage or lose weight.

1. Weight Gain is a Common Issue

There's nothing wrong if you want to lose weight. In fact, it means you desire to improve yourself, and that's good. In 2016, over 1.9 billion adults are reported as overweight by the World Health Organization. Weight gain has become a worldwide issue. WHO even started weight loss programs worldwide to decrease obesity by 2030.

However, CDC's National Center for Health Statistics says, "in America, the prevalence of obesity among adults has moved further away from the Healthy People 2020 goal of 30.5%." It means that the rates are still increasing. It is still an ongoing health problem.

2. Weight Loss and Management is Accessible

When you desire to lose weight, resources are a walk, a click, or a ride away. Workshops, trainings, diet recipes, and support groups can be easily accessed.

Healthy inspiration quick start diets can be searched online. Gyms and fitness studios are available everywhere. Healthy eating workshops for schools are implemented all over America. Support groups for weight loss can be searched all over social media.

Today's time shows an abundance of weight management resources. Everything is at your reach.

3. Managing Weight Means You Have to Deal With Your Mental Health

Losing weight isn't just a physical challenge. It's also challenging for your mental health. Psychological issues are associated with weight gain. Here are mental health issues that happen when you're struggling with your weight:

  • Shame or guilt: Feeling ashamed and guilty is common for those struggling with their weight. Factors like bullying, health issues, or unhealthy eating behaviors can affect you.
  • Self-esteem issues: There is stigma when you gain weight. Bullying, unnecessary weight comments, and health inequalities are experienced. These factors can result to lower self-esteem.
  • Anger or frustration: When your weight stops you from doing things you love, this can make you feel frustrated. Anger is a product of frustration. Your anger can be displaced to yourself or to others. This is a common feeling associated if you have issues with your weight.
  • Eating Disorders: When you have an intense desire to manage your weight, eating disorders can happen. Some will eat too much and force themselves to puke. Others don't eat for days. Struggling with weight can develop into eating disorders.

    Related: 8 Types of Eating Disorders
  • Poor body image: When your culture admires slim or petite body types, if you don't fit in this category, it can lead you to feel dissatisfied with your body. A poor body image can influence a mental health decline.

    Related:
    Body Image: What is It?


When you want to lose weight, you first have to overcome your thoughts and feelings. Losing weight requires motivation. If you're struggling to motivate yourself, your weight loss journey can be a short one.

4. Weight Loss Means You Need To Engage In Different Processes

A simple, safe, and easy way to reduce weight is to find healthy resources. The following are holistic ways you should engage with as you manage your weight:

  • Check-ups: Consulting your primary care doctor can help you assess your health risks. Your doctor can tell you what you have to watch out for when it comes to diet and exercise.
  • Therapy: Behavioral and lifestyle changes are important when you're managing your weight. This means that you have to develop healthy coping strategies. A therapist can help equip you with that.
  • Fitness Coach: When you want to lose weight, investing in a fitness coach is important. Coaches can help assess what you need to work on. They gauge what your body can do and what it can't. They help motivate you on your fitness journey.
  • Social Support: Your family and friends are a source of support. However, relatives and friends can also be a source of discouragement and nasty weight comments. If you don't have supportive friends or family, you can check out different fitness groups on social media platforms. Establishing friendship in your local gym can also help.

    Related:
    How To Support Someone With An Eating Disorder
  • Self-Care: The three pillars of health are sleep, diet, and exercise. It's important to balance these three out. Your lifestyle can influence your weight. Watch out for the substances you use, the food you eat, the stress you feel, and how you cope.
  • Entering treatment programs: Meal coaching for eating disorders, substance use recovery programs, and healthy diet programs are helpful. Engaging in treatment programs can help you learn more about different factors that can affect your weight.

There is no 'single fix' when it comes to managing weight. It takes motivation, drive, discipline, and different processes. If you want to have a healthy life, don't forget the facts in this article. You are capable of improving yourself - physically and mentally.

Related: Why Do We Turn to Food In Times of Stress?

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