5 Common Things That Happen When You Lose A Noticeable Amount Of Weight
Whenever someone chooses to commit to a weight loss journey,
it’s not just a physical transformation that happens, but a mental
transformation as well. Regardless of how long it takes for people to reach
their goal weight, there are significant things that occur along the way that
impact their body image and confidence. For all of the positive reinforcement
once receives, they might also notice some negativity or odd reactions from
those they are close to. Read on for tips and insights from leading
experts that will offer clarity and solutions for anyone seeking to
transform or who already has.
1. You shed friends along with pounds.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD a NYC based licensed
neuropsychologist, a teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia
University Teacher’s College, explains that, “It is normal to lose friends
as you lose pounds. As you see the payoff from the lifestyle changes you’ve
made you may feel disconnected with friends who may still eat and drink things
you no longer do. You’re evolving,” offers Dr. Hafeez. She also adds that,
“It’s common to notice jealousy, and digs. You may even experience exclusion
from dinners out presuming you wouldn’t want to indulge.”
Have faith that your true friends will love you at any size.
“It will actually be difficult to tolerate any gossip, negativity or activities
that are counterproductive. The last thing you need are people who bring you
down when you are doing something positive for your well being. Look out for
yourself. At times that may mean distancing from certain people,” advises Dr.
Hafeez.
2. Loose skin becomes the new thing you notice.
Once
you reach your goal weight, you may love how you look in clothes but naked in
or a bathing suit is a whole other story. This is most common when weight loss
is significant. Even when weight training is part of the regimen, loose skin
does happen.
Dr. John Zannis a board certified plastic surgeon based in
New Bern, North Carolina frequently sees and treats patients who went through a
weight loss transformation. According to Dr. Zannis, “Loose skin can gather at
the stomach, under arms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, face and neck. The
more significant the weight-loss is, say 50 pounds and above, the more likely a
plastic surgeon is sought out to explore body lifts that specifically address
loose skin after weight-loss.”
3. You have more energy, are excited about life and can
do more!
As you change your diet, add daily exercise to your new
lifestyle and see the weight melt off, you gain energy! You don’t feel the need
to hit the snooze button anymore. You may wake up energized for that 7am powerwalk
or you may be inspired by that beautiful new dress you get to wear to work,
another dress size dropped. Yay!
“Use newfound energy to your advantage, encourages Dr.
Hafeez, your brain is forming new neuropathways as your perception about your
body starts to change. That flight of stairs that was once an obstacle is much
easier. Simple things like putting on shoes, picking up toys and pushing a
vacuum are done with ease. As you take notice of what your body can do, you
gain more confidence and want to do more. This energizes you both physically
and mentally,” she adds.
4. Shopping gets interesting.
It is common to get overwhelmed with options now that you
can shop the way you always dreamed of. Perhaps your new strong, shapely
legs have inspired you to wear dresses again for the first time in years. Or
after always covering your arms, you may opt for sleeveless tops. Either way,
trying new looks outside of your comfort zone can be daunting. Dr. Hafeez
advises to, shop on your own or with someone you really trust. “It is important
that shopping is made to be fun by approaching it as a style experiment. Don’t
expect everything to look perfect just because you are a much smaller size.
Some things will work, others won’t. Look for clothes that feel good.
When you smile in the mirror that’s a sign you’re on track.”
5. You make yourself, your health and well being top priority and start to inspire others.
When you lose a noticeable amount of weight other people
want to know how you did it and how you are keeping the weight off. Your
immediate family may also adapt to your dietary changes and experience weight
loss by association. When your kids see you wake up every morning to exercise
they see that anything worth having requires commitment. Your significant other
may be inspired to also lose weight. “When you take care of yourself and are in
a positive mindset, it has a positive impact on everyone you interact with.
When the mind and body are aligned you love the way you look and feel,
you’re happy and someone others can look up to.”
For information on Dr. Sanam Hafeez visit: http://comprehendthemind.com/about-us/
For information on Dr. John Zannis visit: http://www.zannisplasticsurgery.com/plastic-surgeon-new-bern-nc/
~Jennifer
