So I'm wearing my Exercise Scientist hat today. And my Psychologist cardigan. And my steel-capped, ass-kicking boots. I may be blunt. Okay, I will be. But honest. Possibly politically incorrect. Okay, probably. Will possibly say what you don't want to hear. Feel free to look away now.
Hmm... still here, huh? Thrill-seeker. Crazy kid.
Even though I've spoken way too much for way too many years about getting in shape (in the course of my work) and I'm kinda over it, recent events (stuff in the media here in Australia and several random conversations) have compelled me to write this article.
It seems we're still missing the point when it comes to losing weight (effectively and permanently). If you, or someone you know, needs to lose weight, pay attention and/or pass this post along.
Conventional thinking tells us that losing weight is essentially a physiological process; lift this, run there, stretch that, get your heart rate up, decrease your calorie intake, no carbs after three (crapola) and increase your energy expenditure. Mostly good advice.
And traditional approaches (by the medical profession and the fitness industry) tell us that weight loss is essentially about three key variables; exercise, food, and lifestyle. Oh yeah, and more education. And to a point, they are right. But only to a point.
I'm here to tell you that while exercise, food, lifestyle, and education are indeed important variables in the process, without doubt, the biggest determinant of weight loss (or gain) is what's going on in that nine-pound (four kilo) thing sitting on the top of our shoulders. Yet the psychology of weight loss is rarely discussed (in any depth) by the 'experts'. And in my humble opinion, that's because many of them don't get it. "It" being the head stuff that goes with the body stuff.
If you have been, or are currently, overweight, then you absolutely know that losing weight is first and foremost a psychological and emotional process. I was a fatty (200lbs, 90kgs at fourteen) and when I got my head in the right place, my body followed. I thought different, chose different, and created different.
Q. What really determines weight loss (or gain)?
A. Attitude, thinking, self-control, mind-set, and ultimately, decisions.
We know what to do. But we don't do what we know. We've never been more educated. Yet we've never been fatter. We've never had more resources. And we've never made more excuses (heard them all). We've never had more reasons to lose weight. And we've never wasted more time.
But people don't wanna hear this message because it's too fundamental and obvious. And it requires real effort, sacrifice, work, and self-control. No, we'd rather talk about weight-loss theory number ten million or the latest 'breakthrough' pill, powder, potion, product, gizmo or gadget. Or that amazing new weight-loss book. 'Cause we need another one of those.
We want quick, easy, convenient, and painless. We are soft. We are precious, lazy and lack self-control. We are the quick-fix society. And the instant gratification generation.
And the fat generation. We want an answer that doesn't require effort or sacrifice on our part. And it is this mentality which keeps us (us, the society) fat.
If the answer to global obesity was in fact more education, information or resources, then we would all be getting leaner by the day because we've never been more educated, informed or equipped when it comes to diet, exercise, lifestyle and all that 'obesity-related stuff'.
Here's some random food for thought (nice book title) on obesity. (You can still look away at any time).
Article comments
1 - Frank
Hi Craig
Great article. It got away from the all-body think and approached the mental attitude. Now, a further step would be to the spiritual plane - the land of the soul. There, study of the creative Word of the Founders of all religions, as well as prayer and meditation become the food and drink of man -real nurishment. The courses of the meal aren't easy. The dishes are detachment, certitude, servitude, sacrifice, patience, humility, loving-kindness - truly good deeds. Hard to digest, but perhaps ultimately the most nutrient-dense in the real Reality.
"Hey Mate, pass the twinkies."
Frank
2 - Craig Perry
Good article Craig (and great name too). Everytime I see an episode of 'The Biggest Loser' I'm appalled at the lack of psychological coaching these poor people get. I can even pick the contestants that will put the weight back on the quickest after the leave...just based on what they say and how they behave. Their mindset's are not changed so how do they expect to keep the changes made to their body.
3 - Heidi
After being overweight my ENTIRE life I finally won my battle against obesity and lost over 100 lbs in less than a year through healthy eating and exercise. I know how hard it is to have faith that this type of change is possible when you have failed for so many years (I started at 270lb and a size 24, now a size 4)...but it is! My story was so inspirational ABC featured it on Extreme Makeover last month. To remind people -- you truly can do it (which is a HUGE part of the psychology, I never believed it was genetically possible because I failed for so many years!) -- I've launched a website HEIDI HYPE to keep people motivated and remind them they CAN defeat their past -- even if they come an overweight family and have been overweight their entire life. I hope you'll take a moment to check it out! I'd love to know what you think!
Heidi
4 - Roni
Awesome article!! A little harsh but I think that's what people need to hear.
signed-
Ex-fatty who changed her attitude and kept 70lbs off for 2 years now! :~)
5 - Kc
Hi Craig,
The psychology of losing weight is the number 1 thing I struggle with. I've done weight-watchers off and on since I was about 10 years old. I've got about 50-60 pounds to lose in order to be fit and healthy, and while being thinner is very appealing to me, I don't understand how to reconcile the psychological change required. I've always seen myself as a big person - and it's become part of my self-identity. How do you separate body-image from a sense of self? Is it a matter of realizing that you are not a 50+ pound overweight person on the inside, too? What are some of the mental shifts required in order to reconcile the difference between what you see in the mirror and how you feel about yourself? It's possible I'm not making any sense, but I'm trying to put my struggle into words as best as possible.