Despite working hard to lose weight and being unhappy when overweight or obese, the fear of losing weight is very real for some people.
Would losing weight make you feel vulnerable? Think about it. What would happen if you shed the extra weight you carry and got down to a healthy weight? Would you really be able to find true happiness? The answer is probably not...unless you change the way you think.
The truth is that losing weight is scary because it can leave you feeling vulnerable. In essence, shedding the extra weight is like removing your protective armor. The fat suit you wear is a good blocker between you and the world around you. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do because you can use your weight as an excuse. Furthermore, people will come to expect less of you. Overweight people can easily create a wall with their excess weight and use it to block people out.
Losing weight means having to break down the fat barrier that has served as a tool for keeping expectations low and interactions to a minimum. Demolishing that fat barrier doesn't have to be scary. It can be a liberating experience if handled the right way.
What's Left to Hide Behind after Losing Weight?
It's no wonder some people feel vulnerable after they lose a considerable amount of weight. The wall that used to offer them support is suddenly missing. It feels like you're lost your armor, you have nothing left to hide behind, you are exposed and you suddenly have to confront situations you have avoided. Using weight as your crutch, your protection and your security is not an option once you reach a healthy weight. The comfort level is no longer there. What's left to rely on after losing weight?
There's nothing left to rely on physically. That's why losing weight can leave you feeling vulnerable. This is why so many people regain weight after reaching their weight loss goals.
The Cure for Vulnerability after Losing Weight
Being at a healthy weight doesn't instantly make you a happy person. The best way to protect yourself from feeling vulnerable and regaining weight is to make your weight loss a journey. Take it one step at a time. This is just one of the many reasons why slow weight loss is recommended. Stop focusing on the number on the scale and work on your inner self. Your weight loss journey is a great time to reflect on how you feel about yourself, how you handle relationships and how you think about food and exercise. Changing your thinking about yourself will help you to better cope with your new life after weight loss.
Facing your fears head-on and rationalizing their validity is a powerful way to keep emotional eating under control and maintain your weight loss.
