How Does Weight Loss Help Confidence and Self-Esteem?

If you’re obese or overweight, you should consider losing weight as soon as practicably possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being obese or even just slightly overweight can put individuals at an increased risk of developing joint problems and numerous chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular and gallbladder disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Physical health, however, is not the only thing to decline as a result of being overweight or obese; individuals who carry around too many extra pounds are also more likely to struggle with low self-esteem and other mental health issues.

Mental Health and Self Esteem Issues in Connection to Weight

Many adults who are overweight or obese and struggle with mental health problems today say they endured the same when they were children. And these are not the revelations of a select few; similar findings were made public in a study published by the National Institutes of Health. According to the data, obese or overweight young children and teens have considerably lower self-esteem than their normal-weight peers. But there is some good news; losing weight and overcoming low self-esteem and other mental health problems is easier to do when you’re an adult.

How Losing Weight Can Improve Mental Health

One of the things many people notice after shedding a few pounds is how much better they feel physically and mentally. Studies show that losing as little as 5% of one’s body weight can lead to better mental health, particularly when it comes to the following:

• Better sleep
• Combating anxiety
• Combating depression
• Contributing to a more favorable outlook on life
• Contributing to feelings of accomplishment
• Improved mental clarity
• Improved self-esteem and body image

All these benefits are a byproduct of increased dopamine levels in the brain, which naturally happens when individuals lose weight. For context, dopamine, also known as a “feel-good hormone,” is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in feelings of pleasure and motivation. When dopamine levels are where they should be, individuals are less likely to struggle with low self-esteem and other mental health issues. According to the many weight loss physicians, counselors, and nutritionists at Slim4Life in Plano, TX, following a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is one good way to promote weight loss, reduce hunger, and boost dopamine levels in the brain. Of course, this is only one of many diets that can help individuals accomplish such things; many other diets can provide the same or similar results.

All in all, the benefits that come from achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight are extensive. To learn about other diets that can help you lose weight while simultaneously making it possible for you to feel better about yourself and the world around you, consider speaking with a Slim4Life associate today.