Written by Marcelle Crinean

New research shows that almost two thirds (64%) of Brits are on a diet to lose weight “all or most of the time”. Of these, many achieve some weight loss by trying different diets but often end up in a yo-yo cycle where they start a diet, lose some weight, and then ‘fall off the wagon’ – either because they have unrealistic expectations about the diet or their weight loss goals, or the diet is just not sustainable. And the reality is that over 98% of people who lose weight on a diet gain the weight back within 2 years, and then some. In other words, diets don’t work – at least, not in the long term.

If diets did work, and there was a magic pill or formula that allowed us to lose weight and keep it off, we’d all be doing it. And we wouldn’t have an ‘obesity epidemic’ where, in the UK, obesity prevalence has risen to 26%, such that 58% of women, 65% of men and 1 in 3 children are now classified as overweight or obese.*

The thing is, we’re thinking about weight loss all wrong. Most people want to lose weight simply to get the weight (or fat) off. But here’s the rub – most of the time the weight is there for a reason. Excess weight or fat is a symptom, not the cause. If you lose the weight but don’t address the cause, the weight will come back.

So, it’s not just about eating less calories or doing more exercise, or being a willpower weakling – we need to address the cause of our excess weight.

So, what are some of the causes of excess weight? They might include:

·        Poor food choices

·        Emotional hunger

·        Too much stress

·        Lack of sleep

·        Overeating or binge-eating

·        Loneliness

·        Self-hatred

·        Lack of awareness or ‘mindless’ eating

·        Financial worries

·        Fear

·        Hormone imbalance

·        Someone else’s belief that we need to lose weight

·        A misguided self-belief that we need to lose weight

·        Past sexual abuse

·        Toxic or ‘crooked’ thoughts about ourselves and others

·        And many more!

It’s time to understand that our issues with weight require a whole new approach. To truly lose weight and keep it off, we need to address the underlying issues – and this takes time and patience. There is no quick fix.

If you want to learn more about how Hypnotherapy can help you address your underlying issues with weight, and help you lose weight and keep it off please get in touch. You can find an AfSFH hypnotherapist in your area by looking here.

*Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet – England, 2016 [NS]. Publication date: April 28, 2016

Marcelle Crinean, PhD, DSFH, AfSFH, MNCP, MNCH Reg., CNHC Reg.
Brain Reframe (Weybridge, Surrey and Oxshott, Surrey)
marcelle@brainreframe.com
07968 910 009
www.brainreframe.com