When people think about the negative effects of being obese, they often tend to focus on the obvious physical issues that overweight people have to contend with. From being at a higher risk to developing certain health conditions like diabetes and heart disease to finding it challenging to walk up a flight of stairs without being winded. Not to mention buying clothing that fits well, a lot of obese people face challenges that the rest of us can literally "see."
But what about the negative impact that obesity can have on a person that is less tangible? As it turns out, research has shown that the emotional effects of obesity can be even harder on people than the physical effects. In fact, the psychological suffering that many obese people go through is often the most painful part of being overweight.
Let’s face it: we live in a country that values physical beauty, emphasizing on outward appearances. Our society tends to link being "thin" with being "attractive", especially if you are a woman. As a result, if you are overweight, you hear these messages, spoken or not, and end up feeling unattractive.
Obese and overweight people also tend to be discriminated against, oftentimes by those who genuinely have no idea they are doing it. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of obese people having to wait longer to get helped at a department store, or having people stare at them as they go grocery shopping or eat in restaurants. Obese people often report feeling as if others feel they are lazy or deserving of being heavy, because they are obviously lacking in willpower. It really does seem to be the case that discrimination against overweight and obese people is the one “socially acceptable” form that we have left in our society. But just like other forms of discrimination, it can have very real and lasting effects on those targeted.
The emotional issues that being overweight or obese may include: low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and at times, even thoughts of suicide. Many feel anxious and depressed, often because they feel like they are undesirable. Losing weight can be very difficult, and finding the inspiration and emotional or physical strength to get out and exercise oftentimes is an uphill battle. A lot of obese people don’t care to join health clubs because they feel intimidated by the thinner people who are there working out.
In a study of obesity, obese subjects were given a “forced choice questionnaire”, which involved having to make a choice between being at their current weight or having some type of illness. In general, most obese people interviewed indicated that they would rather have a leg amputated or be blind than be at their current weight. Interestingly, every subject said they would rather be poor and thin than morbidly obese and a millionaire.
The HCG Renew Program has already helped hundreds of people shed those extra pounds to no longer feel the negative self-esteem issues associated with being obese. Our easy-to-follow Program and menu plans can help you Regain control of your weight and Renew your life!
But what about the negative impact that obesity can have on a person that is less tangible? As it turns out, research has shown that the emotional effects of obesity can be even harder on people than the physical effects. In fact, the psychological suffering that many obese people go through is often the most painful part of being overweight.
Let’s face it: we live in a country that values physical beauty, emphasizing on outward appearances. Our society tends to link being "thin" with being "attractive", especially if you are a woman. As a result, if you are overweight, you hear these messages, spoken or not, and end up feeling unattractive.
Obese and overweight people also tend to be discriminated against, oftentimes by those who genuinely have no idea they are doing it. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of obese people having to wait longer to get helped at a department store, or having people stare at them as they go grocery shopping or eat in restaurants. Obese people often report feeling as if others feel they are lazy or deserving of being heavy, because they are obviously lacking in willpower. It really does seem to be the case that discrimination against overweight and obese people is the one “socially acceptable” form that we have left in our society. But just like other forms of discrimination, it can have very real and lasting effects on those targeted.
The emotional issues that being overweight or obese may include: low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and at times, even thoughts of suicide. Many feel anxious and depressed, often because they feel like they are undesirable. Losing weight can be very difficult, and finding the inspiration and emotional or physical strength to get out and exercise oftentimes is an uphill battle. A lot of obese people don’t care to join health clubs because they feel intimidated by the thinner people who are there working out.
In a study of obesity, obese subjects were given a “forced choice questionnaire”, which involved having to make a choice between being at their current weight or having some type of illness. In general, most obese people interviewed indicated that they would rather have a leg amputated or be blind than be at their current weight. Interestingly, every subject said they would rather be poor and thin than morbidly obese and a millionaire.
The HCG Renew Program has already helped hundreds of people shed those extra pounds to no longer feel the negative self-esteem issues associated with being obese. Our easy-to-follow Program and menu plans can help you Regain control of your weight and Renew your life!
