Those in the fat acceptance community insist that weight loss doesn’t solve one’s problems.
Those who’ve regained lost weight say they were still miserable when thinner.
What they fail to acknowledge is that obesity doesn’t always cause whatever big problems someone has.
And therefore, weight loss won’t solve those particular problems.
For example, if you struggle with trust because a parent abandoned you in early age, you’re going to have this issue whether you’re fat or of a healthy weight.
Losing weight isn’t going to make you happy if your misery or depression has a non-weight related origin.
Another example is self-worth. If your integrity while growing up was battered by an abusive parent, those deep marks will still be present whether you’re 300 pounds or 150.
What can losing weight make better?
If you have struggles that are related to your obesity, then certainly, weight loss will go a very long way at mitigating those struggles.
You may still have the trust or self-worth issues (caused by rancidity in childhood), but at least your physical self will be in a dramatically much better place.
And a strong, fit, reliable, pain-free body contributes to improved mental health — even if you have residual wounds from childhood trauma.
Your health metrics such as blood pressure and resting heart rate will be much improved in a body of normal weight rather than of morbid obesity – even if you still suffer from anxiety at the workplace or difficulties with mood regulation.
Pay no attention to those naysayers who’ve given up and insist that weight loss won’t make you happier or “fix problems.”
Again, if you have troubles due to your very heavy weight, then losing this weight will either significantly reduce those issues or make them go away entirely.
Types of Problems that Weight Loss Can “Fix”
• Lack of energy and stamina that interferes with day to day functioning.
• Difficulty using staircases, getting in and out of cars, trotting after toddlers, etc.
• Aches and pains in the knees, back, even the feet.
• Recurring acid reflux or heartburn.
• Trouble sleeping through the night.
• Heel pain or burning feet from plantar fasciitis.
• Inability to do a lot of things such as hiking, bicycle riding, long walks at amusement parks or staying on one’s feet for extended periods.
