The Hidden Dangers Of Weight Loss
The weight loss industry brought in a whopping $72 million in 2019. What does this staggering statistic tell me? It tells me that there are a lot of people determined to lose weight. 2/3 of Americans are either over weight or obese, so the market is ripe for the picking. That’s why fad diets are so popular and gain traction so quickly. Each one claims to be better than the previous one, promising aesthetically pleasing abs in short time, with little to no effort. What no one tells you is that there is a hidden danger to weight loss outside of possible injuries and malnutrition. No one prepares you for the mental anguish that is a side effect of losing a significant amount of weight.
It’s true. When a person becomes a candidate for bariatric survey, one of the requirements is to undergo psychotherapy. This is because a barrage of issues can possibly rear their ugly heads, such as anxiety or depression. Aside from a smaller frame, relationships (divorce rates go up) and lifestyles can and will change. Weight loss can be a mental rollercoaster ride and if you’re not prepared it can be detrimental. So why are so many trainers allowed to train without this knowledge? Why are so many gyms littered with machines but offer no mental health pamphlets or a list of local therapist? Why doesn’t anyone talk about this? Well today, I offer myself and my personal experience as a living sacrifice so that the person coming behind me is well-equipped.
Fall 2015, I had had enough. I stepped on the scale and could not believe that I had allowed myself to get up to nearly 300 pounds. I wasn’t an overweight child or teenager, but between babies, birth control, and biscuits, I had just completely let myself go. I was fly now—-face beat, heels high, and outfits on point, but I was fat as h%#! Once I made up my mind to go on yet another “diet,” I had no idea that this time it would actually work. Like countless other people, I have tried and miserably failed every diet on the planet…well at least 80% of them anyway. The weight was coming off faster than I could keep up with. My clothes were getting looser and looser, so I finally had to throw out my entire closet (shoes included because my foot shrunk a whole size ) and start over. This is when my first “mental” trap (for lack of better words) happened. I rolled up in the store and made a B-line for the plus size section. As I was sifting through the racks, I said to myself, “Toiya, you don’t shop over here anymore!” I wanted to cry and breakdown in the store because I couldn’t believe that my brain was not in sync with my body and I had no idea where my new shopping section was. I just left the store. You see, when I looked in the mirror I still saw my larger self. It didn’t matter what compliments people gave or the fact that I was now carving new holes in my belts because they were too big, the mirror reflected “Fat Toiya.” It took me a LONG time to reconcile that I wasn’t morbidly obese anymore.
Speaking of compliments, that’s another “mental” trap. For me, the constant compliments were annoying and can be damaging for a person’s journey. They can throw you off track because now other people are noticing publicly what you have been doing privately. The one that got on my nerves the most was, “If you lose anymore weight, you’re going to blow away!” I know people mean well, but we have to be mindful of our words. Do you know how much discipline, determination, and consistency it takes to lose 108lbs??? No one wants to hear that they shouldn’t lose anymore. Or you see someone you haven’t seen in a long time and they stare at you like you have an extra head. Don’t get me wrong, I know the change is drastic and people want to celebrate your accomplishments. Just keep in mind that they may not be mentally ready to celebrate.
So I say all of this to say, if you decide to change your lifestyle be prepared for the other things that come along with weight loss and if you can, seek counseling. I sure wish I had.
Best wishes to you on your journey
