Why Can’t I Lose Weight?

In my previous post, I discussed some of the bariatric procedures that can be very helpful for those who are candidates. While not all individuals will qualify to undergo these surgeries, they are still many that struggle. Here are ten psychological reasons some people aren’t able to lose weight:

1. Food addiction: Food can be an addiction like cigarettes or alcohol. If you find yourself eating for no reason and you just can’t stop, you should talk to a psychologist and a nutritionist about breaking this addiction cycle.
2. Bad habits: For example, you may have a large mocha every morning or an ice- cream sandwich before you go to bed. The best way to break a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. Have a bottle of water instead of the mocha, or cottage cheese with fruit instead of the ice cream.
3. Eating for comfort: We have all heard of “comfort foods” like chicken pot pie or cherry pie. Realize that these high-calorie foods can only lead to more sadness later, so go for a walk instead of opening the refrigerator.
4. Fear of not being “socially correct”: For some reason, we all think that going out to dinner is the best way to have a social interaction. Try a bike ride or meeting for a walk. Try to not involve food in these interactions.
5. Lack of confidence: You think there is no way out of the hole you are in. Many people think it is impossible, or it will simply take forever to lose the excess weight. Remember that the hardest part of completing a journey is taking the first step. Start slowly and be consistent, and you will achieve your goal.
6. Depression: Depression causes weight gain for many reasons. If you have any of the signs of depression such as insomnia, frequent bouts of crying, or an unwillingness to be social, don’t hesitate to seek help.
7. All-or-nothing diets: The worst diets are all-or-nothing diets that are impossible to stick to. For example, the no-carb diet is difficult to sustain for any reasonable period of time. Take small steps in the right direction, and you will do a lot better.
8. Fasting: You may think eating nothing all day is a good way to lose weight. Severely restricting your caloric intake puts you into starvation mode, actually making it harder to lose weight. Consult with a dietician about what is a healthy number of calories to consume daily.
9. Sweet tooth: There are other ways to satisfy your desire for sweets that don’t involve a full portion of desert. Have a thin mint instead of a piece of chocolate  cake!
   
10. Lack of a plan: Having a plan is 90 percent of the battle! Set a goal, monitor yourself daily, and give yourself feedback and reinforcement. Following this feedback loop can lead to tremendous success!

Learn more about if cosmetic surgery is the right choice for you and your body in my book, “Making the Cut” available for purchase on Amazon.

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