weight loss and self esteem

I certainly hope that all of you enjoyed your Christmas day. I know it was challenging to def;ect some of thos high-caloric food and drink sources that were a part of everyone's dinner table. Hopefully, you all did a great job of concentrating on the fact that the love for your family members and friends is conpletely separated from the need to ingest lots of calories.

One of the major positive effects we see for patients as their weight loss programs progress is the marked increase in self-esteem that accompanies the weight loss. The ability to fir into clothes that are perceived more fashionable and form fitting, not have to hide from social events that may include picture taking and feeling more attractive both to yourself and others all add up to a much heightened level of self-esteem. We see this in people of all ages, but especially in our teenagers. It is quite amazing to see the transition of self-esteem in a relatively short period of time.

Certainly, our prime focus on weight loss is to become healthier, rid ourselves of medications, lessen our risk of serious medical sequelae, but the added benefit of feeling so mcuh better about ourselves is wonderful.

weight and self esteem

We discuss many issues surrounding the psychological aspects of weight loss. Of course, for most people, the primary motivation for losing weight is the inproved health that accompanies the weight loss.

Yesterday, I saw a patient who has lost over 40 pounds, and she started tearing up from happiness explaining that her whole life has changed. Her happiness was not as much about her perceived improved health, but rather, the self-esteem improvement she has experienced. She went on to explain that when markerdly overweight, she would specifically avoid social situations with co-workers for fear of not being able to dress up well or present herself in a manner that others would find acceptable. As much as she tried not to think about "what others are thinking" she found herself becoming more and more distant and holing herself up at home.

Since the weight loss, she has been getting lots of compliments which have emboldened her to start going out again and after the first few times, she realized that she was "no different" than anyone else, and even seemed to attract more attention than others. This is why she was so happy.

Just an anecdotal story, but when I hear this type of self-improvement from weight loss, I feel great that our program is, in fact, changing lives on a number of levels. Yes, we love to see the lessening of blood pressure, improvement of diabetic control, etc....but to see the huge smile...really fun!!!