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Overcoming Chronic Anxiety and Plateau to Lose Weight: a Journey From 485Lbs to 399Lbs

Read about how one Reddit user, McGarvish, overcame chronic anxiety and a plateau to achieve a weight loss of 86lbs (485lbs to 399lbs) and improve his outlook on life. Discover his transformational journey through scientific insights and tips.

Article by Madeleine Smith

A photo of a 5'10" man showing a weight cut from 485 pounds to 399 pounds. A net loss of 86 pounds.
M/25/5’10” [485lbs>399lbs=86]lbs] From chronic anxiety to enjoying the moment. I hit a plateau for about 5 months, but I'm back at it as of last month. A1C went from 11.8 to 5.5 and my outlook on life is better than ever.
Originally posted on /r/progresspics

Chronic Anxiety and Weight Gain

McGarvish's journey starts with chronic anxiety, which often drove him to binge-eat as a way to cope with stress, eventually leading to his obesity. Anxiety and obesity are often intertwined, as one can fuel the other. Anxiety increases cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain, particularly abdominal fat.

Breaking the Vicious Cycle

Breaking the vicious cycle of anxiety and obesity requires mindful eating and stress-reducing techniques. McGarvish used meditation, breathing exercises, and therapy to manage his anxiety. He also tracked his food intake, focused on nutrient-dense foods, and gradually increased his physical activity, combining weightlifting and cardio.

The Plateau Challenge

After losing weight steadily for several months, McGarvish hit a plateau for five months, which is a common phenomenon in weight loss journeys. Plateaus can be frustrating, but they can also be opportunities to assess one's lifestyle, tweak it, and overcome it. McGarvish tried new exercises, adjusted his macros, and increased his protein intake to break his plateau.

The Benefits of Weight Loss

McGarvish's weight loss journey improved not only his physical health but also his mental health, as reflected in his A1C levels and better outlook on life. Weight loss can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, as well as improve mood and self-esteem. McGarvish's journey shows that weight loss is not just about changing one's appearance but also about transforming one's life.

Tips for Your Own Journey

If you are struggling with both anxiety and obesity, take inspiration from McGarvish's journey and try some of the techniques he used, such as meditation, journaling, therapy, and tracking. When you hit a plateau, don't give up, but rather, analyze your habits and experiment with new approaches. Weight loss requires patience, persistence, and self-compassion. Celebrate your small and big victories and keep moving forward.

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Madeleine Smith

Content Lead at MyProgressPics.com

Madeleine is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and tools they need to transform their bodies and lives.