Is obesity a disease?

How many times have you said to yourself, “Here I am with my 50 pounds overweight – if only I had done something when I was only 20 pounds overweight”? Over time, obesity has often been described as a disorder or disease of postponement.

Why do humans often put things off overnight and in particular, why are overweight people behaving this way and not dealing with their weight problem before it is too late?

There are of course no easy answers, but there are common ways of thinking.

1. Unrealistic vision of success

People who put things off often don’t often have a realistic view of how someone was able to reach their goal. They think it was easy for their friend to lose 50 pounds. Anyone who has lost 50 pounds knows that it is totally absurd because there are ups and downs, stresses … throughout the day. To be successful, you have to accept the fact that there will be frustrations and failures as well as obstacles across the road. The key: BE PERSONAL.

2. Fear of failure

Many people are afraid of failing and base their self-esteem and image on their accomplishments. If they fail in their attempt to lose weight, they will consider themselves a failure as a human being. So it becomes too dangerous to try. Rather than risk failing, they prefer to do nothing at all.

3. Perfectionism

For the most part, we have been brought up with the idea that we must be the best in everything we do. Therefore, many overweight people think that if they cannot be perfect, it is better that they give up their diet.

4. The reward system

Successful people give themselves credit for their successes (big or small). People who put off until tomorrow usually do the opposite and continually underestimate themselves. To be successful, we must accept the idea that if we had 6 good days out of 7, it was a good week and that we must be happy with these results. Remember “success leads to success”.

5. Negative speeches

Try to avoid ways of thinking such as “I should lose weight or go on a diet” because it usually doesn’t work. This more often makes you irritable, makes you feel guilty and prevents you from following your diet. Instead, take a more positive approach such as “I choose to be slim, fit, energetic and attractive. I know how much I weigh and how I feel is up to me. ”

6. Lack of assertiveness

Many people put it off because they do things they often don’t want to do. For example, they will not dare to tell their hostess that they are watching their weight and will not take dessert. They don’t want someone to be bothered because of them.

7. Lack of motivation

In life, motivation comes and goes. Understanding and accepting this could give you more insight into the future. You will accept that you need to work on your motivation and that you have to make your list of all the reasons and benefits for which you want to lose weight.

We can give lots of examples. However, the first step is to identify the reasons why you always postpone using the previous examples (awareness). The second step is to accept your personal reasons and the fact that you want to change. Now you’re ready to take action. Refer to my article “AAA process for positive change – Awareness, Acceptance, Action” published in the health motivation bulletin Nº 05/2001.

One last thing. Remember: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. But the second chance is today! The same applies to those who have postponed weight control. Sure, it would have been better to lose weight months ago, but the right time is also now!