When I decided on the title for this article, I had no idea that the words mental obesity are already used by some people to describe the intellectual laziness and disinterest that often result when children's minds become addicted to junk information such as video games, chat rooms, and text messages. Referring to an entirely different circumstance I use the term mental obesity; A common phenomena that I have experienced first hand in myself.
Many people who have lost a lot of weight continue to think of themselves as obese. They may have lost fifteen, thirty, forty pounds or even more. It doesnt matter. A once overweight or obese woman who wears a size six dress is often, in her mind, still obese. This is the phenomenon that I call mental obesity.
It is a feeling and a conviction that is hard to shake and extremely difficult to get rid of. People who suffer from a poor self-image related to their weight are often unable to own up to this, or to discuss it with others. On one level, the now slim person is perfectly aware that she or he is no longer obese. Scales and clothing sizes will certify this evidence. This is confirmed daily by higher energy levels and a new physical prowess. However on a whole other, illogical, level the mentally obese individual in certain that he or she continues to be obese and fat.
If you are mentally obese you understand that you have physically lost the weight, however you still feel as though you're obese. You also quickly learn not to voice this feeling, this knowledge. More than likely when the people around you are overweight and you aren't. You're aware that you're being ridiculous. You know you will be accused of seeking out compliments. You know that this is a reasonable accusation; one that you would make if the roles were reversed. Thus you must remain silent. But in your mind, its still there your obesity.
Nowhere to turn, mentally obese persons have. Obese people have to be cautious for selection of their clothing. The skimpy new clothes stay at home, in the closet. It is difficult for mentally obese people to dance in public. For photographs, they still prefer to pose sideways. They are still terrified of looking at photos or home videos of themselves.
Perhaps the hardest aspect of being mentally obese is the loneliness that comes with it. Oh yes, you can be just as lonely if your obesity is in your mind as you were when you used to gasp for air on your way up one flight of stairs, trying not to show your malaise to others running past you up the steps. If you are mentally obese, you'll probably be walking up the stairs alone, tugging at your shirt to pull it down over your behind.
Losing a considerable amount of weight necessitates a period of adjustment and the adoption of a new life style is not a simple matter. If you can't see yourself as thin despite the weight loss-please seek help. Seek out the appropriate person with whom to discuss your situation such as your family doctor if you have one.
Many people who have lost a lot of weight continue to think of themselves as obese. They may have lost fifteen, thirty, forty pounds or even more. It doesnt matter. A once overweight or obese woman who wears a size six dress is often, in her mind, still obese. This is the phenomenon that I call mental obesity.
It is a feeling and a conviction that is hard to shake and extremely difficult to get rid of. People who suffer from a poor self-image related to their weight are often unable to own up to this, or to discuss it with others. On one level, the now slim person is perfectly aware that she or he is no longer obese. Scales and clothing sizes will certify this evidence. This is confirmed daily by higher energy levels and a new physical prowess. However on a whole other, illogical, level the mentally obese individual in certain that he or she continues to be obese and fat.
If you are mentally obese you understand that you have physically lost the weight, however you still feel as though you're obese. You also quickly learn not to voice this feeling, this knowledge. More than likely when the people around you are overweight and you aren't. You're aware that you're being ridiculous. You know you will be accused of seeking out compliments. You know that this is a reasonable accusation; one that you would make if the roles were reversed. Thus you must remain silent. But in your mind, its still there your obesity.
Nowhere to turn, mentally obese persons have. Obese people have to be cautious for selection of their clothing. The skimpy new clothes stay at home, in the closet. It is difficult for mentally obese people to dance in public. For photographs, they still prefer to pose sideways. They are still terrified of looking at photos or home videos of themselves.
Perhaps the hardest aspect of being mentally obese is the loneliness that comes with it. Oh yes, you can be just as lonely if your obesity is in your mind as you were when you used to gasp for air on your way up one flight of stairs, trying not to show your malaise to others running past you up the steps. If you are mentally obese, you'll probably be walking up the stairs alone, tugging at your shirt to pull it down over your behind.
Losing a considerable amount of weight necessitates a period of adjustment and the adoption of a new life style is not a simple matter. If you can't see yourself as thin despite the weight loss-please seek help. Seek out the appropriate person with whom to discuss your situation such as your family doctor if you have one.
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