How My Weight Loss Journey Improved My Mental Health?

It seems like nothing is talked about more in the media or health professionals than the benefits of losing weight. Physical appearances aside, the resulting improvement to your body's function is well documented by physicians and nutritionists alike. From lowering blood pressure to reducing cancer risk, shedding a few pounds is usually one of the top-ranking items on health wish-lists. This isn't a post aiming to encourage weight loss or to promote body negativity. This is simply to explore the potential correlation between weight loss and mental health improvements.  Something I personally experienced. It's no secret that taking care of our bodies by exercising and being intentional about our nutrition  has many benefits. However, something that doesn't get touched on as often as it should is the overwhelming impact of weight loss on our mental health. First let me also say that 'weight loss' shouldn't necessarily be a negative term. We all go through phases where we feel like we could shed a few pounds and that's normal. It doesn't always have to mean that we don't love ourselves or our bodies. Just with everything else, there's always room for improvement.  But my most rewarding experience with weight loss had to do with mental health improvement. A somewhat neglected subject, the average person investigating a new diet or exercise plan might not intuitively know the rewards to their mental state that starting such an endeavor can bring. If you're curious about learning more, read on to find out about some of the most noticeable ways weight loss  improved my mental health.

One of my main killers of confidence was having low self-esteem. If you don't feel comfortable with your appearance or are perpetually self-conscious about your weight, this can negatively impact your social, professional, and romantic life just like it did with mine. While it is an impressive feat to wake up feeling confident every day, there are things you can do to easily see your self-esteem rise dramatically. One of the major influencing factors that affected my  confidence was undoubtedly my physical presentation and appearance. For me, weight loss was the key to achieving this elusive and highly sought-after self-confidence boost. By fitting back into my old clothes, improving my self-image, and even being paid a sneaky compliment or two, I started to feel beautiful in my own skin while knowing I was prioritizing my wellbeing. However, it's important to realize that although this improvement largely stems from the physical results, there are other components at play. Weight loss can improve people's view of their entire lives and help them feel proud of the internally sourced willpower and hard work it took to achieve their results. Needless to say, I became addicted to that pride feeling. For once, I felt like I was treating myself with the ultimate care and that helped my self-esteem tremendously. So, even if the increased self-esteem you enjoy is not solely tied to your body's new look, you will be left feeling better than ever.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most prevalent mental health issues on the globe. Unsurprisingly, some of the things they seem to be fueled by the most are the psychological and physical effects of being overweight. I would know! To combat the low energy or trepidation often associated with these major mental health issues, I started fueling my body accordingly. Specially formulated products or programs that combat a sedentary lifestyle were my best bet to not only get me on track but keep me on it. Weight loss heavyweights, like the team at kariencsn.co.za/, have been improving quality of life through health and weight loss for years. The proof were in my results, as many programs like these can give people suffering from anxiety or depression a new lease on life. Individuals like me who have experienced noticeable weight loss often credit the effectiveness of weight loss when it comes to improving our overall mood and lifestyle. Who knew that increased energy, concentration, and motivation could all be the result of shedding a few pounds?

When I lived an unhealthy lifestyle, I often found that I suffered from a phenomenon known as body dysmorphia. Triggered by a variety of things, including a fixation on certain body parts, body dysmorphia refers to an unrealistic, hyper-focused, or warped self-image. In short, I perceived myself in a different, typically negative, way that differs significantly from what others noticed. This wore me down over a lengthy period and caused me to devote an unhealthy amount of time and energy to my problematic fixations. By gradually incorporating healthy nourishment and routine into my lifestyle, I found I no longer felt the high degree of body preoccupation I once did. The result is a shift in focus back to the goals and activities that supplement my life and happiness- not tear me down.

Have you found yourself considering a change in your habits? Maybe you don't feel particularly motivated by changes in your physical appearance but are struggling with your mental health? If this sounds like you, it is important to recognize all of the positive changes that fueling your body with the right nutrition and staying active can have on your mental state and your physical body.  Over the past few years, I've learned that utilizing safe and healthy methods of eating right, supplementing your body, and getting adequate amounts of exercise will all affect positive change in your perspective and general happiness.