In a 2014 data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), United Kingdom is one of the top 50 obese countries (top 32) with an overall obesity prevalence of 28.1%. Being overweight puts one in a great risk of a wide range of diseases including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and different emotional and and psychological problems. Published by Hypnosis in London on 08 August 2016, written by Malminder Gill.

Obesity doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of several factors including poor diet (too much processed food, having too much sugar in the diet, and comfort eating), lack of physical activity, genetics, and medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism.

Research shows that losing weight can provide several benefits including reducing one’s risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease^[1], sleep improvement, and improving joint health^[2]. However, many people find it challenging to lose the excess pounds. 

Barriers to Weight Loss

When one fails in losing weight, people are quick to judge that it’s because of one’s lack of willpower. Many don’t realize that there are several barriers that can affect one’s weight loss efforts. Some of these barriers include the following:

Unrealistic Expectations

Weight loss isn’t easy but doable. However, many people fail at losing weight because while they set weight loss goals for themselves, they have unrealistic expectations for something that often take time and perseverance to achieve.  However, these unrealistic weight loss goals are more common in younger people and those who attribute their weight gain to physical causes.^[3]

According to a weight loss expert, a way to find out a realistic weight loss goal is to jot down the highest and lowest-ever weight and the number in between. When it comes to the rate of losing weight, aiming to lose ½ to 2 lbs per week is acceptable.

Black-and-White Thinking

Black-and-white thinking is also known as the all or nothing kind of thinking. Studies show that this can be a barrier to weight loss as those who may fail to achieve their weight loss goal, no matter how close they may be to it, may consider themselves as failure and hence, may decide to discontinue their weight loss efforts.

Researchers suggest that it can be best for those who are trying to lose weight to alter this thought process.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanism

Eating should be a pleasurable activity. There are some people though who used it to cope with life’s stresses. This is where the problem starts.

It has been shown in a research that stress can affect how a person eats. It can either lead a person to under- or overeat, depending on the type and severity of the stressor. Those who suffer from chronic stress are seen to have a stronger preference on food high in sugar and fat.^[4]

Using food as a way to cope with life’s challenges isn’t healthy. A way to counteract it is to learn more efficient ways to deal with stress. These include meditation, yoga, and even getting into a regular physical activity. Researchers found out that exercise can be a good way to combat life’s stresses.^[5]

Lack of Social Support

Another common barrier to losing weight is the lack of social support. In one study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, participants who recruited friends in a weight loss treatment plan had greater weight losses. This social support was also shown to affect weight loss maintenance.^[6]

There are weight loss groups both online and offline that people who wanted to lose weight can join. These groups can provide the right emotional support one needs to succeed in losing weight.

Not Seeking Professional Help

Losing weight can be more difficult for people with certain medical conditions. It can also be tricky for those with depression and anxiety. Researchers found out that this group of people is more likely to be physically inactive, to binge drink, and to be obese.

There are several professionals who can help these people. These include hypnotherapists. As a hypnotherapist, I use guided hypnosis to help clients deal with the barriers that keep them from losing weight. This may be due to craving, emotional eating, or boredom.

The Ultimate Weight Loss Hypnosis program is a good alternative for those who can’t have a private session with me in Harley Street.

Losing weight is challenging but it’s definitely doable. If you’re someone struggling with it, know that you can always seek support and help.

References:
[1] Leong, King Sun and John P. Wilding. “Obesity And Diabetes”. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 13.2 (1999): 221-237. Web. 7 Aug. 2016.
[2] DJ, Hart and Spector TD. “The Relationship Of Obesity, Fat Distribution And Osteoarthritis In Women In The General Population: The Chingford Study.”. The Journal of rheumatology 20.2 (1993): 331-335. Web. 7 Aug. 2016.
[3] Erika W. Wamsteker, Rinie Geenen, Pierre M.J. Zelissen, Eric F. van Furth, Jolein Iestra. “Unrealistic Weight-Loss Goals among Obese Patients Are Associated with Age and Causal Attributions.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Volume 109, Issue 11, November 2009, Pages 1903-1908.
[4] Susan J. Torres, Caryl A. Nowson. “Relationship Between Stress, Eating behavior, and Obesity.” Nutrition, Volume 23, Issues 11–12, November–December 2007, Pages 887-894.
[5] Brown, Jonathon D. and Judith M. Siegel. “Exercise As A Buffer Of Life Stress: A Prospective Study Of Adolescent Health.”. Health Psychology 7.4 (1988): 341-353. Web. 7 Aug. 2016.
[6] Wing, Rena R. and Robert W. Jeffery. “Benefits Of Recruiting Participants With Friends And Increasing Social Support For Weight Loss And Maintenance.”. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 67.1 (1999): 132-138. Web. 7 Aug. 2016.

Image: Emilian Tiberiu Toba