I have been working with the weight management program at our hospital recently. I do the behavior assessment to look for ways that the people may be using food in psychological or emotional ways, which may be an obstacle to their success in the weight loss program. I have found some commonalities. I thought I'd share some of the suggestions I've been sharing with these people who are working to loose weight.

When I hear about a person who has been yo-yo-ing through diets their whole life I suggest that they look at their self image.People behave in ways that are consistent with their self image. If you see yourself as an athlete then you will act like an athlete. If you see yourself as a troublemaker then you act like a troublemaker. If you see yourself as a person who enjoys walking then you will walk. If you see yourself as a couch potatoe then you will act like one. If you see yourself as a person who enjoys healthy good then you will more easily. Work on developing a self image that includes those healthy lifestyle choices that are consistent with weight managment. 

People who yo yo diet have been using the structure of the diet to behave properly even when it is inconsistent with their self image. But when they stop the diet they return to behaviors that are consistent with their self image. We need to take what we know about healthy choices, sometimes introduced through diets, and incorporate it into our self image and life.

Do you sometimes feel overly fatigued?

You need to balance your physical needs with the rest of your humanness to prevent burnout.You are a physical being.

I’m not saying you are physical beautiful. I’m simply saying you are physical. You have a body. Not many people would argue this point, but you’d be surprised how many ignore it.

Maybe due to emotional distress they neglect their physical being and needs. This body has basic needs to function properly.

Your body has physiology and chemistry, none of which is perfect in this imperfect world. Because our bodies are imperfect we have disease and sometimes need medicine or other treatment.

Some people think this is a moral failing – to need physical treatment, especially if this physical treatment involves mental health issues.

We know there is overlap between the emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and physical aspects of people, - they can affect each other, but we need to be careful not to neglect the physical needs by calling it a spiritual or emotional problem.

If you need medicine because of a chemical imperfection in your body, then take it. A physical imperfection requires a physical treatment.

The same holds true in reverse. We need to not neglect emotional or spiritual needs by calling them physical. I’ve seen it happen both ways. Take care of your body.

Challenge it to be strong and healthy without being overly focused on it, leading to neglecting the spirit and the emotions.