Because being overweight or obese can result in a variety of diseases and complications, weight growth is a problem that millions of Americans struggle to manage. According to a study, over the last 20 years, obesity has increased from 30.5% to 41.9%, with severe obesity significantly increasing during that time. With the rise in weight-related issues, losing weight has the potential to save many lives.

In our society, people who have dropped a lot of weight and maintained it are virtually universally praised. Given how challenging it may be to lose weight, anyone who has succeeded is praised as a deserving positive story. To observe this style of thinking in action, all you need to do is switch on the TV or flip through a magazine. We are bombarded with advertisements promoting diets and fitness programs, especially at this time of year, depicting happy, carefree, fashionable people living life to its fullest. The implication is obvious: If you lose weight, it will relieve pressure on your mind.

Each year, Americans spend millions of dollars on weight loss products, including medicines, diet programs, workout packages, and juice cleanses. Unfortunately, many of us idealize the benefits of losing weight due to the widespread cultural messaging that suggests a smaller body size and shape might make us happier, more attractive, and more self-assured. People frequently think that by simply decreasing weight, their lives would magically change. However, research seems to indicate that dieting has a disadvantage also.

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered in a 2013 study that when one spouse lost weight, the Relationship suffered and deteriorated. Researchers found that when one partner loses weight, the other partner who isn't dieting may become jealous and more uneasy about their relationship leading to Couple Conflicts. They also discovered that when a couple's weight reduction objectives did not match, the dieting partner became irritated because they believed their companion was not committed to losing weight.

Negative impact of obesity on mental health

Public shame

Being overweight is associated with several old, preconceived ideas that have persisted over time, including beliefs of laziness, beauty, and lack of self-discipline. Your social life may suffer as a result of these concepts, which may also make things more difficult for you in the future.

Negative psychological attitude

Even without the strengthening of weight-related social stigmas, having too much body fat can result in inflammation that compromises your immune system and worsens Depression. Your sense of Social Isolation will only worsen as a result, and your life will become more challenging.

Emotional eating

The dangerous part of emotional problems related to weight is the behaviors that may develop as a result, such as turning to food for emotional comfort, which in turn causes a weight increase. Moving to a new environment can cause Stress, as can adjusting to a new school or career, Divorce, or a death in the family.

The benefit of weight loss on the mind

In social settings and intimate relationships, we place a lot of value on how we appear, thus decreasing weight might boost our Self-esteem. Many facets of your emotional health, including Sleep, energy, vitality, and mood, improve when you lose weight. Your self-assurance, view on life, perception of your body, sex life, and social life can all be directly impacted by all of these. Additionally, losing weight can reduce or even eliminate the need for drugs for many chronic disorders that might worsen depression and other mental illnesses. The more weight you lose and manage to keep off, the better the situation gets. While sustained weight loss has many positive health effects, it also requires a lifestyle change. Many people who use fad diets to lose weight succeed in the short term but eventually gain the weight back. Your mental and Physical Health can significantly improve by setting long-term objectives for nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle changes.

Conditions associated with obesity

Being overweight raises your risk of developing several long-term health issues, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, several types of cancer, and more severe COVID-19 symptoms if you contract the virus. While eating a poor diet is frequently a contributing factor in weight gain, there are other factors as well, including inactivity, genetics, stress, sleep deprivation, pregnancy, aging, and some drugs and illnesses.

Conclusion:

The relationship between weight loss and mental health is multifaceted, with implications that extend beyond physical well-being. While shedding excess pounds can lead to improvements in self-esteem and overall mood, it's essential to recognize the potential challenges and risks associated with weight loss, particularly concerning Eating Disorders and other mental health conditions. For some individuals, the pursuit of weight loss can escalate into unhealthy behaviors, such as restrictive eating patterns, excessive exercise, or obsessive thoughts about food and body image. These behaviors may be indicative of underlying issues such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder, which can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. Seeking Online Counseling and therapy can provide invaluable support for individuals navigating the complexities of weight loss and its impact on mental well-being. Online Therapy offers a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore one's relationship with food, Body Image, and self-worth, while also addressing underlying emotional issues that may contribute to disordered eating patterns. Additionally, therapy can help individuals develop healthier coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and cultivate a more balanced and compassionate relationship with their bodies. By addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of weight loss, counseling, and therapy can play a vital role in promoting holistic well-being and long-term success in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Contribution: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist, life coach & mentor TalktoAngel & Dr Sakshi Kochhar Psychologist