WEIGHT LOSS OBSESSION - Orthorexia Nervosa

Weight loss obsession (Orthorexia Nervosa)

Not being able to go for that long-awaited beach get-together during summer because of that fat saggy belly that will surely pop out even with an empty stomach, or always taking a glance at the mirror at every chance you get to remind yourself of how less attractive you are doesn't seem like a healthy weight loss process.

Fitting into the model-like genre is something thousands of people are enraptured for which is quite fearsome. The societal perspective of beauty has subconsciously driven so many people to go above and beyond to make sure they fit in. 

Ever again, you might admit that you'd create a better world for yourself when your thighs don't jiggle as you walk, or when your stomach doesn't look like a baby bump which is baleful when you notice these behaviors below.

Signs of weight-loss obsession

1. Excess information consumption.

Clicking on every site or blog that contains WEIGHT LOSS is one sign that you are overly conscious about losing pounds of calories.

Taking in too much-unsaturated information will leave you confused and mentally unsatisfied, causing you to have uncertainty about the right part to take in your weight loss journey.

Information is one factor that is easily immersed in the mind and manipulated. As the saying goes, staying informed is to avoid being deformed

which can also be switched to be informed but don't let it result in a deformity.

2.Unnecessary starving and excessive intermediate fasting.

Eating in small quantities for weight loss isn't a bad step to consider, but can also seem like adversity when done the wrong way.

There's a fine line between eating healthy and self-denial which isn't a good approach. 

Eating crappy food isn't a reward, it's a punishment -says, Drew Carey.

Depriving yourself of having a bowl of ice cream on a sunny afternoon or refusing a special delicacy made once in a Blue Moon is purely renunciation which is not comforting.

To a large extent, that ideology of the smaller your food size the lower you weigh, is untrue.

Intermediate fasting is a way of losing some fat no doubt but can become a concern when done excessively.

3. Always seeking comments about weight loss progress.

Weight loss happens in phases ranging from rapid weight loss to the dawdling phase which is natural.

Therefore, asking questions like Did my waist get slimmer? How do I look? Can I check my weight again for the 10th time today? Am I losing weight? gradually cramps your mentality.

Your mental health is one easy way to detect an obsession regarding weight loss. 

4. Abstaining from social gatherings and social activities.

Trying to shy away from social affairs to escape comments on your eating pattern will only lead to detriment of your mental health and esteem which is not healthy.

Being too keen on dieting doesn't guarantee rapid weight loss so calm down on the stiffness. 

A treat of soda and a burger won't hurt, so break out of your shell and fraternity.

Self-confidence and appreciation would help you go through the process without anguish.

5. Low confidence about looks. 

Having this ideal mentality of being beautiful when you're skinny connotes how narrow-minded you are.

Something you should know is that genes differ among people so your size could be a transferable trait, therefore trying to be skinny by all means could cause damages like depression, low self-esteem, and health issues like disorders in eating,  ulcers due to continuous starvation and so on.

6. Constant body and weight assessment.

At that point when the weight scale becomes your favorite item, the mirror becomes your best friend and you can't help but feel so insecure about your body, there's so much magnitude of obsession in your head. 

This doesn't denote examining yourself for a bra strap popping out or checking your teeth for a coffee stain or anything casual.

Without further ado, let's address;

A few approaches to prevent weight-loss obsession.

1. Accept and love yourself.

This is the first stage that needs to be conquered to be able to optimize other tips.

For others to realize how worthy you are, you need to place worth and find happiness in yourself first.

This factor cannot be over-emphasized because it has a big powerful impact on how you manage your weight.

Learn to conquer insecurities about your weight because that will help skyrocket your self-esteem.

At this point, you'd realize how much being body-shamed doesn't get into you because you've built a strong wall around your mental health.

Reject voices like your thighs are too big, you look like a pumpkin in a bikini, you should get skinny or you would always remain less attractive, try to lose some fat or you would never feel beautiful.

There's so much to explore rather than sulking about how much you hate and want to alter your looks.

2. Channel your energy to healthy living instead of emaciation.

This is an intentional step that has to be done by you. Focus your attention on eating and living healthy rather than burning so much fat.

Rather than disturbing yourself with how stagnant your weight is even after doing several exercise sessions, start by eating and living healthy then everything will fall in place gradually without being detrimental to your mental health.

Take a break from sit-ups and skipping and try yoga and some cardio exercises.

Get awareness on how to satisfy your cravings on a diet without breaking the bank. Also, try exploring all classes of diets to your taste and you'd realize how wide your food options are.

This greatly has a positive impact on your mental health which will change your philosophy on weight loss. 

3. Scrutinize the information you feed on.

Something you should know is that not every piece of information on the web is for you.

Try to sort out the beneficial ones from the un-useful ones. Endeavor to build your mind to the extent where not all the information you hear or see influences you.

There is a wide range of food nutritionists and weight-loss experts options on the net which you can pick from and experience mentorship and guidance rather than trying every single thing you come across.

4. Hand pick your company

This can also be juxtaposed with the tip above.

The truth is your weight might not be as bad as you think but the people you see and converse with daily also have a part to play to prevent getting overboard about losing weight.

Distance yourself from people who make you feel insecure about your weight and less of yourself because the bitter truth is that gradually, you would subconsciously begin to ponder and see the truth in their perception of you.  

Rather than beating yourself over the fact that you weigh more than an average individual your age, connect with those who see so many possibilities and beauty in themselves.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't socialize with people or restrict yourself from gatherings.

People will always want to buttress their opinions about your looks which may not be appealing, but this is where the attribute of self-adoration comes in.

4. Take a back seat and reflect on your mental health.

All other precautions are encompassed in this particular case.

Mental reflection should be taken as a regular priority. Be sincere to yourself when you get caught up and don't be skeptical about seeking help and working on your mental health consciously.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. As such, creating a safe place in your mind shouldn't be taken with levity hands.

What happens when you finally get caught up and realize you are obsessed with fitting into a size 6?

Here are some helpful ways to address this issue.

5. Accept it and be open to modification.

All other solutions will seem impossible if this is not put into consideration.

You have to personally open up to change since this is a personal task that might not be as easy as it sounds even when all you need to do is accept and be determined.

Think of it like you are dying and the only available doctor is you. After acceptance, other things will be so effortless to do.

6. Find a distraction.

Substituting your obsession with something more positive like finding something unique and enticing about yourself aside from your looks is a sure way to divert your mind.

Channel your energy to work on a desired skill or talent and watch how that would tremendously help increase your self-esteem and courage.

7. Refurbish your priorities.

Change is inevitable and this scenario shouldn't be an exception. Accurately speaking, even if you put so much energy into being a better person and continue your previous day-by-day routine, you won't experience any progress.

Change your style, fashion, meals, and working out system.

Also, Incorporate agendas that you would single-handedly confirm to be having a positive impact on your mental health.

Try exercising right, balance your diet, do yoga, take a timeout during summer, visit the beach, study, and explore lots of fun activities that will help bring you out from your shallow mind.

8. Eat right and healthy.

You can eat healthy without having to place a dangerous sign on all fatty and calorie-contained foods.

As much as you want to avoid adding more calories to the existing ones, you should also make sure your meal is balanced with the right proportions of fat in it.

Thinking of it, having a diet cheat day seldomly wouldn't be that chaotic if considered.

Forcing yourself to be a vegetarian doesn't guarantee your weight loss when you still eat your dinner by 2:00 am or sleep all day without exercising even for a few minutes. 

Something you should know is that being plus-sized doesn't guarantee that you are totally fine health-wise and neither does your size in some cases necessarily mean you eat too much fatty food. Some cases of fat could be hereditary, and trying to take it all out can be dangerous to your physical and mental health. Eat healthily and stay healthy.

Causes of weight-loss obsession.

Obsession with losing weight can be influenced by several factors which should be taken note of.

In most cases, you won't even figure out how these components unwittingly affect you and your thinking.

1. Public expectations.

There's this belief that you can only look beautiful when you are thin which has put so many people in complicated positions concerning their size.

2. Low self-regard.

This is the most recorded cause of weight-loss obsession. When you feel insecure about your plus size you'd realize how absorbed you are into getting rid of the fat.

3. Obesophobia

This is a condition when you develop panic to add weight. Even when you are not plus-sized, you become so obsessed with avoiding anything that would add to your weight on the scale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Question One. 

How do I eat healthily?

Answer.

Eating healthy simply means feeding on a balanced diet and consuming the right nutrient in the right proportion.

  

Questions two.

Is there a possibility of developing health issues by being obsessed with losing weight?

Answer.

Wanting to look fit is socially accepted until you start getting obsessed about it with can result in ulcers, suicide,  depression, and a few others.

Question three.

Is Orthorexia Nervosa hereditary?

Answer.

Orthorexia Nervosa is a health condition of obsession with adequate nutrition.

From reviews and research, there's a vast possibility of Orthorexia transfer through the genes. 

Question four.

Why does diet not work for me?

Answer.

An improper diet can leave you with no physical change. For efficient weight loss, dieting should go alongside exercise and should be consumed in the right quantity.

In this world full of criticism, nothing feels better than being comfortable and confident in your skin and size.

Thousands of people yearly are diagnosed with depression which in several cases is caused by Orthorexia Nervosa which might still skyrocket if people don't get addressed with the required knowledge and information. The mental faculty when neglected can be disastrous even to people around you. The first step to conquering your obsession is accepting yourself and working towards being a better person.