The Shocking Reason Why it is Extremely Difficult for Obese People to Lose Weight

What Felitti and his colleagues found in thousands of their interviews was that obese people who experienced trauma tend to overeat as it made them feel:

• less seen and thus more protected against potential danger (i.e. abuse)
• less likely to be the target of any sort of attack
• safe (or be one of the only actions that they took that made them feel safe)
• overlooked and thus out of sight from any potential trauma, and reduce the risk of getting hurt again
• like having found a solution to their problem, which was not knowing how to deal with their trauma and how a safe world could look for them

Unfortunately, for many, the short-term benefits (e.g. the taste of sweets or the momentary feeling of satisfaction) overweigh any long-term risks. And, oftentimes, due to the high mental stress load, willpower is low and saying ‘yes’ to changing one’s behavior becomes harder and harder. This is also the reason why they keep being stuck in the behavior of overeating, or having an unhealthy lifestyle in general.

In addition, for many people it is often more convenient to stay in victim mode than to take responsibility and action to step out of a self-destructive behavior.

What about genetic influence? Does it have anything to do with obesity?

In order to answer that question, one must first understand what genetics actually means. Not the classic school medicine’s definition, but looking at it on a cellular level as people like Bruce Lipton do. He has shown in numerous studies throughout his decades of experience that genes are only set to a certain extent. What it mostly means is that at one point, the body started to translate certain behaviors and thought patterns into the cell structure, which was then passed on to the next generation. As a result, genetics – as we know it – is the repetition of behaviors and thoughts under the influence of epigenetics (how your environment influences your well-being).

However, since these behaviors and thoughts were initiated somewhere, it means they can also be eliminated. Unfortunately, most times, society has equated ‘genetics’ to being unchangeable. But we long know from thousands of studies that that isn’t true.

With this, the genetic influence concerning obesity can still be changed. A person who turned out to be obese can still gain the willpower to achieve a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook in life.

To fully normalize obesity without accounting for its debilitating health effects is to not want the best for people. It would mean that it’s okay for them stay crippled by their trauma and not be able to live their best life. So, what’s the best approach?

Just like with every person who wants to change for the better, it’s best to reinforce good habits, give compliments, and no judgement. Give help when they need it.

If any obese person shares with you their deep personal goal of wanting to lose weight and be healthier, appreciate their vulnerability. Instead of directly giving advice, ask first if that is okay with them or what kind of help they would need.

Of course, body-shaming also has to stop. We all know that we’re least receptive to change when we receive negative criticism.

If you wonder how to make lasting changings in your behavior, emotions, and thoughts, then check out our latest training here.