Weight loss attempts make you healthier, even if they fail
When most people think of weight loss, they imagine a drastic transformation - from being overweight or obese to achieving their dream body.
The journey is often portrayed as linear, with success judged by numbers on the scale or how one fits into an old pair of jeans.
However, what if we were to redefine success not by the outcome, but by the process itself?
What if the very attempt, regardless of the outcome, was beneficial?
Emerging evidence and perspectives suggest that weight loss attempts can make you healthier, even if they do not culminate in significant or sustained weight loss.
Here’s why:
Adoption of healthier habits
When someone decides to lose weight, they often adopt healthier eating habits and engage in physical activity.
These habits, such as consuming more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein or incorporating daily walks or exercise, can benefit one’s health irrespective of weight loss.
Such dietary changes can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels, while physical activity enhances cardiovascular health, mood, and overall well-being.
Mental resilience and growth
Every weight loss attempt, whether successful or not, teaches something valuable.
People learn what strategies work for them, which don’t, and how to handle setbacks.
This process of trial and error can foster mental resilience, growth, and a better understanding of one’s body and needs.
Enhanced mindfulness and self-awareness
Those trying to lose weight often become more mindful of their food choices, hunger cues, and emotional triggers for eating.
This heightened self-awareness can carry over to other aspects of life, promoting better mental health, stress management, and decision-making.
Reduced risk factors
Even modest weight loss, or merely engaging in healthier behaviors without substantial weight loss, can lead to significant reductions in health risk factors.
For example, a small amount of weight loss can lead to improved insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes or a decrease in blood pressure.
Social and emotional benefits
Joining a gym, attending a fitness class, or participating in weight loss groups can foster a sense of community.
The support from peers, the shared experiences, and the journey itself can enhance emotional well-being and counter feelings of isolation.
Setting the stage for future success
Every attempt, even if it ends in perceived failure, sets the stage for future endeavors.
Many people who have achieved sustained weight loss and health improvements report multiple previous attempts.
Every experience adds to one’s toolkit, providing a foundation for eventual success.
Promotes healthy discussions
Making an effort towards weight loss can open up conversations about nutrition, exercise, and well-being with friends and family.
These discussions can lead to collective efforts, where multiple family members or friends aim for a healthier lifestyle, amplifying the benefits.
Redefining success
Instead of focusing solely on the endpoint, we should appreciate the journey and the myriad benefits it provides.
Weight loss, while beneficial for many, isn't the sole marker of health.
The habits cultivated, the resilience developed, and the awareness gained are invaluable assets that enhance health and quality of life, irrespective of the ultimate outcome on the scale.
Remember, every attempt counts, and the journey, with its ups and downs, contributes to a richer, healthier, and more enlightened life experience.
