Have you been dreaming about seemingly impossible physical activities like that hiking trip or participating in a triathlon? Maybe there’s another weight loss goal in mind.
Being overweight can stop you from achieving these goals because it makes physical activities that much more difficult and less enjoyable. Joint pain, for example, is just one issue that arises here.
Losing weight could allow you to do something you’ve always wanted to…no matter how big or small the goal. This could be as simple as playing high-energy games with your children in the backyard.
Your family life might improve as a result and you’ll be less likely to give up when others are enjoying your achievements, too.
Obesity can leave a major dent in one’s self-esteem and body image. Being overweight can stop you from wearing that dress you adore or joining your friends for a weekend at the beach.
It could take time for your confidence to rise again, if it’s something you’ve struggled with for a long time. Don’t hesitate to give yourself permission to feel good during the process.
There are other ways to combat this, too, like programming yourself to think more positively. This might look like attaching affirmative statements to your bathroom mirror or participating in a meditation course. If therapy or counseling is in your budget, it wouldn’t hurt.
Once you’ve achieved your weight loss goals, you might be surprised at how much confidence it gives you.
Not feeling well or confident in one’s body can be a real bust. We’ve already learned that obesity can lead to clinical depression and anxiety for people and it can be a vicious cycle [5].
In such a scenario, being overweight can feed depression, which in turn exasperates the obesity existing in the first place. It can make it even more difficult, if not possible, to start and stick with a plan for balanced eating and exercise.
Losing weight can help lift that dark, heavy cloud that’s been following you around. If you’re concerned about your mental health, we recommend discussing this with a trusted physician or mental health specialist to help get you on the right track for reaching your smart goals.
It’s very normal for people to suffer from low energy levels when they’re not at a healthy weight, as studies show [6]. Obesity can take a toll on the entire body, after all, and for an overweight individual, minor activities can require a lot of energy.
The goal of shedding those unwanted pounds can change this for you entirely. Imagine not getting winded when you’re walking into the supermarket or putting away the groceries. All of these small daily tasks will not just be more manageable, but possibly more enjoyable, too.
Do you know what else helps you have better energy levels, aside from trying to lose those pesky pounds? Physical activity and an enjoyable exercise routine, so it’s two birds one stone here.
For middle aged individuals, this goal could be a standout factor for you.
Studies show that obesity potentially accelerates the aging process for people, for starters [7]. On top of that, the longer you wait to achieve your weight loss goals, the harder it becomes when metabolism and hormones are already starting to slow down at this age.
Imagine that at 50 years old, you feel like you’re in better shape than you were at 45! A sustainable weight loss plan could make this happen.
Losing weight will help ease the already-stressful components of aging and allow you to feel more positive about the natural process of growing old.