The complexities of being human in all its glory and fragility, impacts us hugely when talking about weight loss and weight management.
There is an amazing amount of research being conducted about the science of weight management, the medical, physical, genetic and scientific side for which I am incredibly grateful.
There are many factors that I have observed which often go under the radar when talking about weight management, and I find in certain circumstances need to be considered.
I have created a list that highlights some of these factors that I take into consideration and explore with patients and clients who are struggling with their weight. These things can affect eating and nutrition, and may affect feelings of hunger, satiety and thirst as well as the ability or motivation to exercise. I must stress they are most definitely not excuses; they are valid and real reasons. Some people will always say the things in my list are just excuses. Maybe they are for them, but they cannot speak for anyone else. If it feels valid for you then it is valid. Sometimes a bit of extra support, compassion and understanding when you find yourself in any of these circumstances can make a big difference while trying to manage your weight.
This list is in no particular order of importance and there would be many more factors that I have not mentioned. I would love to hear your thoughts on any other things that you think could be added to this list.
Factors that might be affecting your ability to engage with weight management strategies
- Food is my coping mechanism (always has been)
- I'm feeling sad
- I'm grieving
- I'm lonely
- I'm anxious
- I'm nervous
- I'm bored
- I'm frustrated
- I'm happy
- I'm ecstatic
- I'm confused
- I have metabolic syndrome
- I have PCOS
- I have depression
- I have mania
- I feel sick
- I am sick
- I have food allergies
- I have food sensitivities
- I have a hangover
- I have a sensory processing disorder
- I'm in love
- I've fallen out of love
- I have a broken heart
- I have no money
- I'm under financial pressure
- I have peer pressure
- I have work pressures
- I'm unemployed
- I'm underemployed
- I work really long hours and lots of over time
- I have no interest in food or nutrition
- I suffer from mania
- I have psychosis
- Reactions to medications
- I am having withdrawals from medications
- I have side effects from medications that affect my weight
- I have an eating disorder
- I have disordered eating
- I have low self esteem
- I am suffering from trauma
- I have PTSD
- I have experienced sexual abuse
- I have or am experiencing domestic violence
- I am waiting for surgery
- I am recovering from surgery
- I love food and I want it with no restrictions
- I'm time poor
- I travel a lot
- Food helps with self soothing
- Because she is having it(I want it too)
- Because he is having it(I want it too)
- It looks delicious and I want it even if I'm not hungry
- It smells delicious and I just want to eat it
- I have no sense of smell
- I have lost my ability to taste any food
- I was in the mood to have (insert preferred food)
- I saw it advertised on TV and I just wanted it
- I haven't eaten all day and now I can't stop eating
- I'm having IVF
- My partner is having IVF
- I have post natal depression
- I'm pregnant and have morning sickness
- I'm pregnant but don't have morning sickness
- I have just miscarried
- I'm super busy with toddlers and cant think about myself
- I do not want to talk about my weight
COLLABORATIONS
"Relationships and sex are such an intrinsic part of our lives and yet can often be complex and challenging" A dear colleague of mine who specialises in these areas has just moved her practice to a stunning new location in the CBD and I had the privilege of witnessing the unveiling of this wonderful counselling space which is the: Sydney CBD Counselling Centre. To find out more information about this practice you may like to explore her website here: https://susietuckwell.com.au/
COLLABORATIONS
One thing I wasn't expecting to do this month was to make a video clip for my website, and yet that is exactly what I've been doing. What a thrill it has been to be involved with all aspects of filming, from scripting, to finding locations and to bring a vision to life and be able to collaborate with the delightful and very experienced film editor Meredith Hopes. Hopefully I will be able to share the finished product with you very soon.