Does psychology play a role in the ability to lose weight? For some people, the battle to shed extra pounds requires more than a good diet and exercise plan. There could be something much deeper going on.
In fact, some experts believe that in the majority of cases where people struggle with their weight, there are unhealthy behaviors and emotions involved. If that’s true, then the best plan in the world won’t be able to conquer the problem.
So it comes down to the heart of the issue. It may go beyond the lack of willpower to stop eating when full, or to not pick up the bag of potato chips or package of Oreo cookies.
One possibility is depression. People who are depressed tend to deal with their emotions in unhealthy ways, such as overeating.
Feeling down? Why not put together a huge chocolate sundae? Feeling bad about your life? You might as well make a stop at the nearest McDonald’s.
Oftentimes the lack of willpower is where the blame falls. But the lack comes from something else within. The difficulty may be in discovering what that is.
Other than depression, it could be that eating is a way of avoiding problems in life. Some people “escape” through television, books or shopping. But there are many others who do so through eating.
There have been many studies done on the effects of abuse and how eating becomes a way of stuffing down the emotions. Those who have been sexually abused may unconsciously believe that getting bigger is a way of protecting their bodies from others.
If you have been unsuccessful with losing weight and it seems that nothing works, you might consider looking a little deeper. There have been many people who turn to not only nutritionists and fitness trainers but psychologists as well.