The Mental Toll of Obesity

We all know that being obese is bad for our physical health, but many don’t know that it affects their mental health as well. Excessive weight puts unnecessary pressure on our joints and bones, makes our hearts work harder to get blood through our veins, and can lead to premature death or disability. But it also creates mental stress that can eventually lead to depression and anxiety, not to mention distorted body image and lowered self-worth.

There are a lot of common misconceptions about overweight and obese people, the most popular idea being that larger people are lazy, or have no willpower. People that don’t struggle with weight tend to dismiss the obese as lesser than they are, lacking willpower or energy. While it’s true that it’s harder to be physically active when you carry extra weight, many overweight individuals are fighting a genetic predisposition to obesity and a lifetime of poor eating habits. A medical weight loss program can often help you to overcome these obstacles and finally lose weight.

Social discrimination also plays a large part in the mental toll that being obese takes on a person. Our culture puts emphasis on being thin as a desirable trait, so people struggling with weight often have feelings of not being good enough for other people to be around. That constant mental argument of “I wish I were thin” can create undue stress for people carrying extra pounds. It can even translate into drug use and poor college attendance among younger girls who are overweight, thanks to social pressure and discrimination.

For those that want to lose weight, medical weight loss programs in Shenandoah can help you shed pounds safely and effectively. There is no scientific evidence showing that underweight people are happier than those who are obese, so joining a weight loss program can help you feel healthy again.