Going on a weight loss journey can be a life-changing experience since seeing tangible results can boost your confidence and overall wellbeing. It can also be empowering as you gain control over your health and daily habits. Surrounding yourself with individuals who support your health goals provides you with emotional encouragement and increases your chances of long-term success. But what if the people around you are consciously or subconsciously sabotaging your weight loss efforts?
New research shows that your loved ones can engage in negative behaviors to hinder your weight loss journey. These behaviors may involve undermining your weight goals, trying to overfeed you when you’re not hungry, and accommodating poor eating habits, among others. Dealing with these behaviors can cause stress and anxiety, which can be detrimental to your mental health. As you learn the right ways to eat and exercise to lose weight, it’s also important to know how to deal with certain situations that can make you feel sad or uncomfortable while trying to reach your health goals. To stay happy and healthy while shedding the pounds, here’s how to navigate negative social support and reduce anxiety during your weight loss journey.
Clearly Communicate Your Reasons for Losing Weight
Weight loss takes time and effort, and in some cases, people may need supplements or weekly weight loss injections to lose body weight fast while lowering their risk of heart attack or stroke. Whatever weight loss method you choose will require dedication and consistency, but it can be hard to stick to a routine when the people who are closest to you are getting in the way of your progress. Some of your friends and family members may attempt to sabotage your weight loss attempts due to their own insecurities or fear of change in your relationship. They could make disparaging remarks about your food choices, or undermine your exercise efforts by refusing to go with you on walks. They may even refuse to drive you to the doctor’s office, or tell you that it’s expensive to go to the gym.
Saboteurs act this way since seeing you succeed makes them feel inferior or guilty about their own unhealthy habits. They may also worry about you changing, becoming more confident, or leaving them behind. This is especially true in the case of spouses or partners, and according to Dr. Banita Sehgal, internal medicine physician and Director of Women’s Health at LifeMD, some partners may feel left out of the process, especially if they engage in the same activities together everyday. “If the couple had previous routines that were not healthy, they might also feel neglected, excluded, or left behind because the partner is dedicating so much time and energy to their weight loss journey,” she explains.
Sabotage is linked to lower self esteem and relationship strain, so handle it by clearly communicating why you need to lose weight. Let them know that you’re concerned about your health and not just the numbers on the scale or the way your clothes fit. Inform them about your health activities, as well as how your weight loss will impact your relationship or family. For instance, you can tell your partner that shedding the excess weight allows you to be healthier so you can avoid paying costly hospital bills in the future. Educate them about the repercussions of being overweight or obese, and explain that you’re doing your best to prevent the risks of health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular issues. Try not to take negative comments personally, and remind yourself that you’re not responsible for other people’s insecurities.
Set Firm Boundaries
It’s okay to say no to offers of food or drink, or food-focused activities that can derail your weight loss attempts. Practice saying ‘no’ in a firm yet polite way, and be steadfast in your commitment to your wellbeing. Don’t feel like you have to justify your choices to others by explaining why you refuse to have seconds or why you’d rather not go to that all-you-can-eat buffet place. Also, if people try to downplay your progress or if they say that you don’t seem to be losing any weight, remind them that weight loss is a process, and that you’re making informed decisions about your health.
Be Kind to Yourself
Being inundated with constant negativity can be draining, so there may be times when you’ll blame yourself for your friend’s or partner’s behavior towards your weight loss attempts. When you’re feeling down, treat yourself with the same kindness that you would offer a loved one in a similar situation. Practice mindfulness or meditate to shift your attention away from worries, and engage in activities that you enjoy. Lastly, seek support by joining in-person or online support groups to connect with other individuals with the same goals.
Actively trying to lose weight can bring out the worst in some people as they may sabotage or undermine your efforts. Set boundaries and clearly communicate your reasons for weight loss, and remember to be kind to yourself so you can stay in a positive mindset as you work towards your health goals. If social sabotage continues to hinder your progress or causes you to feel anxious or depressed, consider counseling to get professional guidance so you can achieve long-term weight loss while taking care of your mental wellbeing.
