The Emotional Benefits of a Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Loss

There are significant emotional benefits of being in shape through healthy living. These psychological benefits are not given as much emphasis as the physical benefits of weight loss, but they are at least as important. In recent times there has been increasing recognition of the negative impact of obesity on emotional wellbeing, and conversely the positive, psychologically healing effects of establishing a healthy lifestyle and, as a result, losing weight.

Higher Self-Esteem

Body image and self-esteem are closely related. In a culture and society where physical appearance has taken on what some would say is an unduly strong emphasis, those who depart from the socially prescribed “ideal” are prone to feelings of anxiety, issues with body image, and reduced self-esteem. In the ideal world, there would be no such pressures, or alternatively there would be easy ways to immunize oneself against such negative societal messages.

However, given that these are the realities we need to deal with, the most practical approach is to deal with the physical and emotional issues at the same time. In other words, to adopt a healthy lifestyle and achieve a loss of weight, while at the same time working on unconditional self-acceptance without reference to our society’s unrealistic and often harmful ideals of attractiveness. This realistic approach of getting in shape while creating a more resilient self-esteem has the added benefit of yielding the physical health benefits of weight loss at the same time.

Feelings of Control

To find ourselves engaging in unhealthy eating habits or avoiding regular physical exercise despite our best intentions can lead to feelings of lacking control over our own lives. However, when we finally manage to make the change and establish a healthy lifestyle of light, healthy eating patterns and regular physical exercise, one of the great emotional benefits of this is a feeling of control. Feelings of control are a recognized important element of emotional wellbeing.

Greater Optimism

In keeping with the idea that success breeds success, the positive experience of achieving a major goal often leads to a greater propensity to achieve other goals. There is an increased level of optimism and a more positive outlook with regard to one's general ability to achieve goals. In this way, the effective gaining of control over eating patterns and exercise, and thereby the successful achievement of the goal of weight loss, have the welcome emotional benefit of a greater feeling of optimism.

Improved Sleep

Research studies and the clinical experience of medical practitioners have shown an increased risk of various sleep disorders in the obese population. In such cases, for example sleep apnea, loss of weight through healthy eating and exercise is a key element of treatment. The successful implementation of such changes can result in significant improvements of sleep, and related benefits such as increased energy levels and improved concentration, attention and memory.

Feelings of Freedom

One of the unfortunate emotional issues that accompany weight difficulties is a feeling of being constrained or restricted by it. People carrying extra weight tend to report feeling limited, whether objectively or subjectively, in regard to sporting or other physical activities they may wish to engage in; restricted in their options with regard to choice of clothing they may wish to wear; and at times subjected to people’s judgmental or prejudicial attitudes. Successfully achieving a loss of weight in a lasting way tends to result in a sense of liberation and freedom from such restrictions. These feelings of freedom are a welcome and frequently reported effect of losing weight.

Improved Mood

In recent decades there has been an increasing amount of research on, and a concurrently increasing public awareness of, the correlation between brain chemistry and mood. One important example of this field of study is the phenomenon of endorphin production. Endorphins are known as endogenous opioids, or in other words, morphine-like substances that are produced naturally by the body. One of the chief triggers for release of endorphins in the brain is physical exercise. And one of the main effects of this substance is a boost in the individual's mood or degree of emotional wellbeing. This is one way in which regular physical exercise is known to have a beneficial effect on mood.

In a more general sense, the establishment of healthy eating patterns and regular physical exercise and the resulting loss of weight have been repeatedly observed to result in positive improvements in mood and emotional wellbeing.