Obesity and mental health issues seem to go hand in hand. In the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study, it was found out that subjects with lower self-esteem tend to be fatter as adults compared to those with higher self-esteem. In a different study, it shows that overweight adolescents, especially girls, are at higher risk for self-esteem problems due to teasing and other stereotypes associated with body weight.  Published by Hypnosis in London on 30 May 2016, written by Malminder Gill.

Understanding Self-Esteem

Self-esteem pertains to how we value ourselves and our perception towards our value to other people and to the world. The way we perceive ourselves can affect the way we relate to others, how we make decisions, and can even affect our work.

Our mood typically shifts when confronted with certain situations; we experience the occasional ups and downs. But self-esteem is different. It’s something more stable and is less likely to shift from high to low even when confronted with a challenging situation.

A person with high self-esteem will still experience the occasional mood shifts associated with situational changes but unlike someone with low self-esteem, the mood shift is considered temporary and there are only minor fluctuations on the way they feel about themselves.

High vs Low Self-Esteem

There are several factors that can affect one’s self-esteem but generally, it’s a product of nature and nurture. Nature pertains to a person’s natural strengths and weaknesses while nurture refers to his/her relationship and experiences with his/her environment.

Part of the nature aspect is one’s basic temperament. Some people are born with easy-going temperaments, making them respond with less emotional tension when faced with challenging situation. On the other hand, those who are born with volatile temperaments tend to respond to certain situations with heightened emotions.

Experiences in life and relationships with others – both good and bad are all part of the nurture aspect. They, too, influence one’s self-esteem.

It’s easy to notice people with high self-esteem. They are usually the confident ones who rarely blame other people, often optimistic, and are fully aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Those with poor or low self-esteem are also noticeable because of their negative view in life, blaming behavior, inability to make decisions on their own, and constant fear of getting ridiculed.

Obesity and Self-Esteem

Obesity is a growing global problem that doesn’t just pose a risk to diseases like coronary artery disease^[1] and cancer^[2] but also to mental health problems^[3].

In an analysis of the link between childhood obesity and self-esteem, it showed that overweight subjects specifically adolescent Hispanic and white females have lower levels of self-esteem. The same study showed that decreasing self-esteem contributes to high rates of sadness and increases the chances of high-risk behaviors like cigarette smoking and alcohol use.[3]

Overcoming Self-Esteem Problems

Self-esteem is a product of different factors. Hence, it’s possible to overcome problems associated with it by doing necessary changes.

Know what causes your low self-esteem
It’s easier to address problems with self-esteem if you know exactly what causes it. If your body weight is a factor, then know that you can change that.

Be kind to yourself
How we view ourselves affect our self-esteem. So, one of the ways you can deal with self-esteem problems is to show more compassion to yourself.

If you’re trying to lose weight and got off the track, then know that doesn’t make you less of a person, that you can still get back to it and achieve your desired goal.

Challenge yourself
Trying to lose weight can be scary especially that it entails certain changes in your lifestyle. But people with high self-esteem aren’t afraid of trying something new despite feelings of nervousness or fears. Challenge yourself; set goals for yourself such as walking for at least 15 minutes each day or try to get rid of soda from your diet.

Try guided hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective in making positive life changes. If you’re struggling with weight loss, then let me help you with it through guided hypnosis. Through a private one-on-one session of weight loss hypnosis program, I can help you address the following areas: binge eating, overeating, unhealthy eating, food addiction, and lack of motivation for regular physical exercise.

If you can’t make it to Harley Street, London, a viable option is the Skinny Mindset Online Hypnosis Program. It’s a 6-session weight loss online program that you can listen to anytime, anywhere.

References:
[1] Hubert, H. B. et al. “Obesity As An Independent Risk Factor For Cardiovascular Disease: A 26- Year Follow-Up Of Participants In The Framingham Heart Study”. Circulation 67.5 (1983): 968-977. Web. 24 May 2016.
[2] Calle, Eugenia E and Michael J Thun. “Obesity And Cancer”. Oncogene 23.38 (2004): 6365-6378. Web. 24 May 2016.
[3] Strauss, Richard. “Childhood Obesity And Self-Esteem”. Pediatrics 105.1 (2000): e15-e15. Web. 24 May 2016.

Image: Emilio Labrador