The Reality of Withstanding Through an 8 Year Weight Loss Journey

Stop Comparing Your Journey to Others

It is common to want to compare one's weight loss journey to others, but this can have a detrimental effect on the psyche. The Reddit user loveyourground experienced a similar situation as she portrayed her struggles despite losing an impressive 95 pounds. Her visible transformation was admirable, but she could not seem to shake off the feeling that something more could have been done, especially in hindsight. Extra care is essential, especially for those on a weight loss journey, to avoid comparing themselves to others and focus rather on the outcome of their hard work.

Recognize that Weight Loss Is Not Always Correlated with Happiness

Losing weight is an accomplishment worth celebrating, but it can be debilitating if the weight loss does not bring the expected change in mood or happiness. Users on Reddit reminded loveyourground that weight loss may not be the remedy for one's sadness, and there may be underlying issues to address. Happiness and weight loss do not always go hand in hand, and though therapy can assist in dealing with some of the underlying problems, each person's experience is unique.

Realities of Weight Loss Maintenance

loveourground's maintenance journey after achieving her goal weight reinforces why maintaining weight loss is a whole new challenge. The slower metabolism that follows after the weight loss diagnosis means that one may have to maintain higher levels of exercise intensity or caloric restriction to avoid gaining back the lost weight. The reddit user admits that maintenance is the aspect of her journey that she is holding onto and is the most apprehensive about. Balancing self-discipline, healthy food choices, and good exercise habits should be considered beyond losing weight, even though it's against popular opinion.

Overcoming Body Image Struggles

loveyourground's experience sheds light on the torment that body image struggles can place on individuals. When you lose a significant amount of weight, you become more conscious of what your body represents, and the pangs of dissatisfaction can become more apparent. The user admitted that she started nitpicking at her flaws after losing weight, even more than when she was overweight. This problem highlights the important role that psychological professionals can play in helping people with their body image while shedding light on the fact that improvements to physical appearance does not automatically equate to positive self-image.

Find Ways to Keep Going

It's crucial to find ways to keep motivated despite the regression and potential hazards that come with weight loss, particularly avoiding injuries that can quickly damage your workout routine. Loveyourground talked about a back condition that prevented her from engaging in weight lifting — the activity that transformed her physique. This circumstance forced her always to adapt, finding a workable routine that worked and helped her maintain her weight loss for eight years. Bodyweight exercises, running, following a healthy diet, and eating in moderation all add up towards achieving the goal of keeping fit and healthy. Everyone should keep striving to make their life better than they are today, as this can give some perspective on success regardless if you're on a weight loss journey or not.