Why Can’t I Lose Weight?

Women’s Fitness | Men’s Fitness | Teen Fitness | Senior Fitness | Obesity | Nutrition & Diet | Special Needs | Low Back Pain | Stability | Endurance | Muscle | Strength | Power | Flexibility | Parkinson’s Classes | Sports Fitness | Virtual Personal Training

I’m overweight and frustrated with diet, my body, and how I feel about myself. 

Do you feel this way? Let’s jump right into what this article is not. This article is not about how to lose weight. We’re not going to explore specific exercises or exercise programs for weight loss. No, we’re not going to cover diet do’s and don’ts, weight loss supplements, or offer testimonials. This time we are sharing together right now is for you. We’re about to get real.

It is my position that obesity is a consequence of many factors. However, the responsibility of transformational thinking belongs to each of us. Nobody is going to solve problems for us. We must choose to explore our challenges and search for solutions. “Why can I not lose weight?” It isn’t because you are not exercising properly. It isn’t because you are not dieting. If you are open to the idea that obesity isn’t cured by exercise alone or dieting, please continue reading.

Yes, I am obese and depressed — why can’t I lose weight? 

Are you ready to accept the truth about illness, pain, disorders, and diseases caused by being overweight or obese? I understand emotional and physical pain you may feel ranging from heat rash, the inability to comfortably tie your shoes or find clothes to literal daily self-loathing. I, too, understand what it is like to feel people peering during dinner out at a restaurant. The intensity of judgment waged out of ignorance over what an obese person chooses to eat can create an emotional scar. As an emotional attachment to food grows, so, too, does a process of alienation. Overweight and obese people can isolate themselves emotionally, then physically over many years. Depression is common among obese people. A cycle can begin. The cycle of defiance, shame, hopelessness, and finally indifference. However, the only person injured in this cycle is you. You are the obese man or woman living day-to-day slowly giving up your freedom, health, independence, and health. No matter what other people may say or think — you are the one losing respect for yourself. True or not?

There is a stigma attached to being overweight, however, what other people think or say about you is completely irrelevant to your happiness. Of course, we all care about what others say and think about us. That doesn’t mean that we can allow what others think about our appearance or obesity to rob us of our right to respect for dignity. I advise you to say out loud — “I am a human being worthy of self-love, social tolerance, and I am in complete control of my thoughts and actions.” With this one though, you can focus on the root or cause of continued self-loathing. The power of positive, transformational thought can change your world-view and quality of life.

Why do exercise programs and diets not work for many obese people?

To say that people can lose weight, and become healthier by simply exercising more isn’t a universally acceptable solution to obesity. Our cities are full of gyms, health clubs, and weight loss centers yet obesity remains a real problem. Statisticians estimate that roughly 65 billion dollars a year is spent on weight loss in America. The fact that most overweight and obese people know that eating well, and participating in physical activity is good. Yes, people with excess body fat know what to do — some of us simply do not do it. If exercise was the answer why then are 33% of adult Americans obese and 70% overweight? Perhaps exercise alone is not the answer to obesity?

Maybe there is a larger issue to discuss. That larger issue is emotion. How do feelings, depression, emotional pain, and loss of self-esteem play an independently vital role in the life of an obese person? Clearly, if we believe what marketers in the fitness industry are saying, nobody should be overweight or obese. But, that isn’t the case, is it? No. The fact is that if we (in the fitness industry) continue to ignore the real cause of obesity, we all will fail. Obesity begins and ends in the mind.

How can I develop a strategy for improving my self-esteem, and wellbeing? 

This is the most important goal for any of us to consider. All of our choices are made as a direct result of how we feel. Our internal or core values, our individual world-view, and the very real consequences of our behavior affect the quality of life. There is no right or wrong — only consequences. I often say to folks, “if you’re happy with your choices, there is no need to change.” I say this because I believe it is an essential character flaw to judge others. We all make decisions based on what we think right or wrong is. However, when we make decisions that are not good for us, meaning a consequence isn’t pleasant, then it is certainly time to reevaluate decision making. It is also time to explore self-esteem and the root of self-love.

Is self-esteem, and wellness connected? How do people improve their self-esteem? Is self-esteem a choice? Can wellness be a choice? My position is that if a person, obese or not, chooses to love themselves life can become an exceptional experience. If being healthier helps people to live happier, and more fulfilled lives — then its probably a good idea to explore strategies for solving emotional problems before buying another infomercial fitness widget. Right?!

I want to talk with somebody who understands what causes of obesity. 

If this is you, I invite you to talk with me when you are ready. There isn’t a doubt that biology, psychological experiences, social influences, and coping skills each play significant roles connecting the dots between causality and correlation related to obesity. But, there’s really more to it. There’s the why? and the how? And, there’s a serious discussion to be made for how these two questions help people find and employ real solutions to their problems.

Yes, I understand obesity. I understand people. And, I understand that I don’t know a damn thing about you — but, I want to learn about you. I want to listen to what you have to say. I want to listen to how you feel, and I want to help. If you choose to explore why you cannot lose weight, and credible solutions, please contact me to discuss your particular challenges and thoughts about obesity, weight loss, health, and wellness.

Contact