“Why are you trying to lose weight, and what is your purpose in doing so?” I saw a Weibo post where the blogger asked followers for their weight loss stories, and most cited two reasons: heartbreak and low self-esteem. Because of their weight, they were afraid to confess to their crushes; because of their weight, they experienced exclusion, ridicule, and disdain; because of their weight, they lost love; because of their weight, they missed out on their prime. Those who once said, “I’ll love you no matter how fat you are,” may ultimately just be passersby in their lives.
Many girls with appearance anxiety are dissatisfied with their bodies and even feel low self-esteem because of it. If they want to shape their bodies or lose weight, they need to take real action; otherwise, prolonged low self-esteem can lead to inner conflicts.
If obesity makes you feel low-esteem, you can try to muster some courage and determination to lose weight. Like this fan, @不用刀的刀客, who is a great role model.
Low self-esteem brings many negative emotions, such as anxiety, suspicion, irritability, and social anxiety. Feeling inferior due to his obesity, he avoided taking photos, disliked mirrors, and avoided crowds. The fatter he became, the more he wanted to escape, his health deteriorating both physically and mentally. To boost his confidence, he decided to lose weight first.
He is 1.78 meters tall and originally weighed 134 kilograms. In just two months, this man from Northwest China lost 23.5 kilograms, dropping to 110.5 kilograms. His overall energy and spirit were immediately transformed.
The method he used was the basal metabolic rate (BMR) diet. I carefully read this man’s sharing and believe there are three key points.
Let me explain them in detail below.
01. Keeping Records
I’ve always believed that a body fat scale is a powerful tool for weight loss. From the moment a person steps on it, they have a clear understanding of their body fat percentage. The lower the score on the scale, the more they understand the seriousness of the problem, and the stronger their determination to lose weight becomes.
This man used the body fat scale to record every data point about his body and then made corresponding dietary adjustments based on the data. For two months, I’ve done this every day, without the slightest bit of trouble.
Keeping a weight loss record isn’t just about documenting your body’s changes; it’s also a process of self-affirmation. Looking at your past and present self as the data changes serves as both motivation and encouragement.
02. Managing Your Mindset
Many people encounter a problem during their weight loss journey: a breakdown in mindset, becoming withdrawn. They use unsuitable methods, causing their weight to fluctuate wildly, and their emotions to align with their weight. They easily fall into states of extreme dieting followed by binge eating, ultimately undoing all their efforts.
The main problem causing their weight loss failure is that they initially treat it as a difficult and painful task. Because it seems difficult, they expect immediate results from their time and effort, setting unrealistically high expectations for weight loss. In fact, besides the correct weight loss methods (dietary plan), weight loss is also linked to emotions; we need the right emotional guidance for anything we do.
This man has a great mindset. He maintains a positive and proactive attitude towards weight loss, walking the right path earnestly and easily, without putting pressure on himself. Weight loss seems like an ordinary, happy part of his daily life; he treats it as a pleasure, a simple and enjoyable lifestyle, and perseveres, enjoying the happiness that comes from controlling his diet and exercising every day. You can only do something well and consistently if you enjoy it.
Weight loss isn’t about mood, it’s about mindset.
03. Setting Goals
This man said, “The revolution is not yet complete, and losing weight still requires effort.”
So he set two smaller goals for himself: to lose weight to 200 pounds by National Day and to 160 pounds before the Spring Festival.
Weight loss is a long-term battle. The ultimate goal for everyone trying to lose weight is to be healthy, sustainable, and stable. Therefore, the speed of weight loss should not be too fast, and you shouldn’t be impatient for quick results. Set small, phased goals, find the right direction, and the key is to persevere.
Of course, if you’re not already overweight, don’t set unrealistic goals like losing 30 pounds in a month. Analyze your specific situation; health is paramount.
Obesity can lead to low self-esteem, while weight loss can bring confidence and self-discipline. Don’t be timid. Wherever you are or what situation you’re in, try to be in control of your environment, taking root downwards and blossoming upwards.
Others may give up on you because of your weight, but you cannot give up on yourself.
