If you are overweight or obese, you’re not alone: 2/3 of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, according to the CDC. But did you know that obesity is also linked to an increased risk of mental illness? One study found that people who were obese were more likely to be diagnosed with depression and other mental health issues than people of normal weight.[1] Other studies have found that obesity increases your chances of developing schizophrenia,[2] bipolar disorder,[3] and other conditions.[4] Fortunately, losing weight can help decrease your risk of many mental health conditions.
1) Lose the guilt
If you’re carrying around extra weight, it’s time to lose the guilt. Guilt is a useless emotion that does nothing but hold you back. Not only will losing weight improve your physical health, but it will also improve your mental health.
2) Lose the negative self-talk
One of the first things you can do to improve your mental health is to lose the negative self-talk. This means replacing thoughts like I’m so fat or I’ll never be able to lose weight with more positive and realistic ones. Not only will this help you feel better about yourself, but it will also give you the motivation you need to make healthy changes.
3) Fight food cravings more effectively
When you lose weight, your body chemistry changes and you no longer crave unhealthy foods in the same way. This means you can fight food cravings more effectively, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
4) Get more physical activity in your day
- Reaching your ideal weight can improve your mental health in a number of ways.
- For one, you’ll likely have more energy and feel better about yourself when you’re at a healthy weight.
- Additionally, research has shown that carrying around extra weight can lead to depression and anxiety.
- So if you’re looking to improve your mental health, losing weight is a great place to start.
5) Get more sleep at night
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood, energy levels, and concentration during the day. It can also lower your risk for developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, there are a few things you can try, such as setting a regular sleep schedule or creating a bedtime routine.
6) Reach your ideal weight
Most people know that carrying around extra weight can lead to physical health problems. What they don’t realize is that being overweight also takes a toll on your mental health. Studies have shown that there is a strong link between obesity and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. If you are struggling with your weight, know that you are not alone and there are ways to get help. Losing weight can improve your mental health in many ways.
7) Have better control over eating behaviors
One of the benefits of weight loss is that it can help you have better control over your eating behaviors. This is because when you lose weight, you are more likely to be aware of the foods you are eating and how they affect your body. This can help you make better choices about the foods you eat and help you to avoid overeating.
8) Build up your self-confidence
Being overweight or obese can take a toll on your self-confidence. After all, when you don’t feel good about your appearance, it’s tough to feel good about yourself in general. But did you know that losing weight can actually improve your mental health?
9) Reduce depression risk factors
One of the benefits of weight loss is that it can help to reduce some of the risk factors for depression. For example, being overweight or obese is a risk factor for developing depression, so losing weight can help to lower your risk. Additionally, weight loss can help to improve body image, which can also be a risk factor for developing depression. So, if you’re looking to improve your mental health, losing weight may be a good place to start.
10) Develop new coping strategies for stress and anxiety
- Losing weight can help you develop new coping strategies for stress and anxiety.
- When you’re carrying around extra weight, it can be difficult to manage stress and anxiety.
- shedding those extra pounds can give you a newfound sense of confidence and control.
- Not to mention, losing weight can also improve your physical health, which can further reduce stress levels.