It is possible to love your body and still want to lose weight, according to recent research done in America with experts revealing that is actually better for dieting. A new survey done by OnePoll on behalf of WeightWatchers, explored Americans’ mindsets when looking to lose weight, including how culture, society and one’s environment might impact their frame of mind.
It has stated that of 2,000 participants looking to lose weight, four in five (78%) say it is possible to love your body and still want to lose weight. About half of those (51%) reported having felt or experienced body shame due to their weight however. Most of the time, that shame came from a friend (51%), partner or spouse (46%), family member (45%) or doctor (40%).
After experiencing this body shame, participants felt like they had no willpower (60%), like it’s their fault (55%) and that they're lazy (52%). 65% are willing to try anything to lose weight, no matter how restrictive or unreasonable the approach might sound.
77% of respondents said that having a community of like-minded people is important to them, along with accountability (73%). Some also reported being hesitant to share their weight loss journey with others with more than half (56%) saying their journey is a personal experience they want to keep private.
45% avoid sharing so as not to be shamed for wanting to lose weight.
Gary Foster, PhD, author of "The Shift: 7 Powerful Mindset Changes for Lasting Weight Loss said: "Weight-based stigma is pervasive and pernicious in our society. This stigmatization and shaming is cruel and harmful.
"It leads people to engage in unhealthy behaviours and has lasting effects on how people view themselves - neither of which are helpful for a successful weight loss journey.
Chief Scientific Officer at WeightWatchers said: "It’s crucial to view the journey as something you’re doing for yourself and not against yourself.”
The top motivator of the majority of respondents (69%) said that their top motivator was minimizing the risk of other health issues associated with weight gain. This was closely followed by improving self-esteem and confidence (65%) as well as looking and feeling their best (62%).
A larger look was also took at how Americans think about themselves and their weight loss journey. Two essential factors were exercise and diet and 85% agreed that your mindset is important when looking to lose weight.
Almost two-thirds (63%) believe they’re more likely to focus on what’s not going well than what is and when facing a setback on a weight loss journey, 75% are more likely to speak negatively to themselves than they would to a friend. Whilst almost two-thirds (65%) expect setbacks to happen on a regular basis, 76% agreed that once they hit an obstacle or setback, they feel discouraged and want to give up.
This could be attributed to losing focus because of too much happening in their lives (55%), a regimen being too restrictive (53%) or failing to have a community or support system (41%).
Dr Foster added: "While eating and activity are important for weight loss, your mindset is what matters most and drives long-term success. Treating yourself with kindness, particularly when navigating setbacks, is critical to making the weight loss journey positive, not punitive.
"Self-compassion beats self-criticism every single time."
