During January, many people make weight-loss-related resolutions. However, achieving and maintaining weight loss is difficult, as things like crash dieting tend to make people bounce back and regain all the weight. Another contributing factor is self-stigma at weight, when people internalise and believe society’s negative associations with fat people. Science has shown that this self-stigma can trigger stress and lead to hormonal changes that make it harder to lose weight. If you’re struggling with losing weight this January, try reducing this stress by thinking positively about yourself and your weight.
Key Takeaways:
- Long term success when it comes to weight loss is very difficult.
- Stigma isn’t something that just affects people that are overweight, it affects people of all different body types.
- Start being more positive to yourself and focus on feeling healthy and happy.
“This self-stigma is the stigma form most clearly associated with lowered self-esteem and depression; it directly damages our mental health.”