weight loss and social sensitivities

When discussing the very "positives" of weight loss, as an internal medicine physician, I immediately focus on thehealth benefits: lessening the chances of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, cancers, arthritis imporvement, sleep apnea resolution, etc. Of course, the aesthetic implications...looking younger, healthier and more fit are positives as well.

Yesterday I saw a patient who brought up an issue, that I think females can relate to much more than males. The patient told me that receiving invitations to social events..weddings, retirement parties, etc. was incredibly intimidating because immediately, she would think "What am I going to wear and how will I look in front of others?" I doubt very many males think of these issues when they are carrying more weight than they want to. However, whether it be a societal issue, hormonal, familial or other, women are under/feel much more pressure in this world to "look good". This results in anxiety for many when they feel they are under a sort of scrutiny. And admit it ladies, guys do not go to events checking out what other guys are wearing or the shoes they are walking around in. Perhaps this is the reason that we have about 4 times as many females entering our program as males. Both sexes understand and feel the medical need to lose the weight equally, but females feel much more pressure to "look better". Not fair at all in the least. I am very interested in your feedback on this topic...please feel free to post your thoughts.