The Effect of Being Overweight, and Losing Weight, on Self Esteem

I doubt that anyone who is overweight or obese can stand in front of a full length mirror, look themselves up and down and think: "wow, I do look good and feel good." To many, the mirror reflects back into a depression and loss of self esteem; so much so, that mirror is to be avoided at all costs, unless fully clothed and in loose clothing.

Walking in to a boutique or department store, and facing up to the fact that you now want the oversize section, does not do your morale much good. Maybe you can even recall going into the same store a few years earlier and getting a "normal" size.

That feeling of battered self esteem is one that perhaps you should ponder on for a moment, and use it as your weapon to beat yourself into getting that old size again. For, surely, that weight you once had which was in the normal range, can be achieved again. All that is required is the will, the desire and the patience. Plus, the bit of knowledge you may need to help you achieve your weight goal in a steady and healthy way, with a lasting result.

So, go back to the mirror with the aim of ignoring any sense of low self esteem. Tell yourself "that's my body, and I will get it back into shape." Smile to yourself, with all the confidence you can muster, and at the same time visualize that same body back in good shape. Grab hold of a roll of surplus fat, and say "your days or numbered." Have a good laugh as you do it; it is impossible to feel low self esteem while you are laughing.

Use that as your starting point and inspiration to get back to a healthy weight and shape, and set about it in the way that best suits you. Do not expect sudden weight loss, just a steady shedding pound by pound. Be patient with yourself; eat the right things, and do the right exercise, and you will one day walk into that store with a beaming face, and start browsing through the "normal" size clothes again. Go on, smile all the way.