Weight loss/ healthy lifestyle and emotional issues

[Jaquta]

Sorry for asking another question (especially so soon after posting the last).

How does one address weight loss and lifestyle issues when emotions seemingly constantly get in the way?
These issues all originate from emotions, don't they?

In your opinion, are the practical interventions you mentioned previously the most effective?

J

[Jaquta]

I was thinking about your comment again earlier and think you're right.
I can see why doing something today (now) is important.

I think a big part of me is apprehensive about taking on so much responsibility.
I also think that because I have a tendency to view things as black and white or all-or-nothing there is a lot of perceived loss, etc involved.

I was wondering before whether, say my diet was a real mess, you would recommend wholesale changes vs the more sedate (and long-term) incremental changes.
I think possibly the answer would be to work with what one had and make the small changes.  At least that way, the diet still belongs to us and isn't someone else's imposed on us.  It perhaps also means that we can own it and take responsibility for it.

Educating ourselves is probably more important than just throwing everything out and starting at the beginning -again!

Sorry for writing this here but writing seems to help me process things.

I'm really surprised you haven't been inundated with posts (yet).  I've received great support in other expert forums regarding similar issues.  I really appreciate the different perspective and approach (and energy) here though.

I like that saying:  If you build it, he (they) will come.

J

[Jaquta]

Thanks Dr Beckerman for your response.

Not just difficulty making changes but also being responsible for the behavior.  For example, emotional eating leading to weight gain (and the need for weight loss strategies, etc).
I expect there could be medical and social reasons behind the behavior.
(Sorry, I'm not deliberately misunderstanding what you wrote.  Perhaps I'm too focused on cause and effect and not focused enough on action and responsibility).

So the incremental changes should only add to ones quality of life.  Or more specifically, not affect it dramatically.

In an ideal world therapists, etc are great resources for addressing emotional and/ or psychological issues.  In reality the demand is too high, the funding too low, etc.
(I've been struggling to get appropriate support and things often feel overwhelming.  Life feels hopeless and I feel suicidal.  These incremental changes you recommend though make things seem more achievable.  Your approach offers fresh hope and promise.  Who needs the mhs?).

Now, being next Monday?
I've already started by making a few changes but I feel I need the weekend to plan others.  Structure is very important to me so I need to work this in in a way that is going to give me the best chance of success.  I have got to a stage in my life where I avoid everything due to perpetual failures.  I need this to work for me this time.

I probably do need the luck but the support and encouragement are more important.

Thanks heaps for your time and advice/ suggestions.

J

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Hi Jaquta,

You make a great point that for some people, there can emotional or psychological reasons why they may have a difficult time making changes in their lifestyles - this doesn't go for everybody, however.  In lots of cases, it's about learning strategies for making small changes that don't bring down one's quality of life significantly.  Support groups and counselors provide great resources for addressing those emotional or psychological issues.  And in the meantime, making a concerted effort to start with at least a couple of those small changes now might make a difference in your life, which can inspire you to make more changes.  Best of luck.