Are You in Denial about Your Weight?

With U.S. obesity on the rise, it is understandable to fall in the weight denial trap. However, the first step in having a healthy relationship with your body is accepting and acknowledging poor lifestyle habits and striving to make better choices.

Weight can be a touchy subject. The combination of physical inactivity and increased caloric consumption ultimately leads to weight gain. Although health can be achieved at all sizes, denial can mask the realization that weight gain has occurred. With U.S. obesity on the rise, it is understandable to fall in the weight denial trap. However, the first step in having a healthy relationship with your body is accepting and acknowledging poor lifestyle habits and striving to make better choices.

Weight Denial: Taking Ownership

Although being comfortable in your own skin is admirable, it is important to take care of your body. Too much weight gain and denial can ultimately lead to chronic health diseases. Tighter fitting clothes and a 20 pound weight gain occurred in the blink of an eye. Even though numbers on the scale should not dictate health, seeing those numbers can be eye opening and a wakeup call.

Those who do not weigh themselves often may not realize the weight gain until an annual doctor's visit. The concrete evidence, like an increased number on the scale or buying pants a size up, can help extinguish any denial regarding weight gain. Blaming weight and poor choices on genetics and social factors, even though they certainly can have their influences, are indicators of weight denial.

Believing "Oh, it's just a few winter pounds," is a much easier pill to swallow than thinking about all the sweets consumed over the holidays. Even though food should be enjoyed and appreciated, take ownership of the quantity and quality of food and understand the repercussions on the body.

Ditching the Denial: Embracing a Complete Lifestyle Change

There is no better day than today. Even if the breakfast donuts have already been consumed and this is being read after eating chocolate from the office candy jar, your next choices can absolutely accommodate a new healthy lifestyle.

No that does not mean go home and trash all of the "unhealthy" food items in the pantry. Health is a journey. If weight loss and dieting were easy, America as a whole would not be struggling with weight and its comorbidities like heart disease and diabetes. However, it is important to start slow. Jumping into a strict diet plan can ultimately lead to failure, guilt, and a recirculation of that vicious cycle. Instead of cutting out soda completely, start minimizing in smaller increments. Saying "no" to sweets more often and increasing the consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will contribute to a more healthful, balanced diet. You already made the most critical step by reading this article and contemplating weight denial. Leave the guilt behind and focus on the healthy lifestyle journey ahead.

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