Why Weight?

Why Weight?
With obesity rates at an all-time high at the same time
perfect sexual images are inescapably thrust in our faces,
it’s a wonder many of us even leave the house.
Statistics vary, but approximately 65% of Americans are
overweight. If those people are parents, what kind of
health are they modeling for their children? It becomes a
vicious cycle of health abuse.

Why is it that so many of us are overweight? Why does
weight control feel like a losing battle….or should I
say a “gaining battle?” While there are as
many answers to that as there are excess pounds, I have
found that there are several major unconscious
negative/limiting beliefs or factors that keep us
overweight.

1. I don’t deserve to be at my ideal weight. Others
do, but not me! Some people actually believe that there
are born winners and born losers, and you are what you are
and there is simply nothing you can do about it. This is
completely neurotic, because we are ALL born to win. Yes,
some of us may have natural advantages (Albert Einstein,
Halle Berry) and others may have natural obstacles (Danny
DeVito, Helen Keller), but we ALL have the power of choice.

2. I’ve always been fat. In fact, everyone in our
family is fat. Sometimes our identity gets defined by our
size or appearance. It bonds us to those close to us. Some
would feel guilty being slender because it might make
mother feel bad for being overweight. The good news is that
genetics is responsible for only 35%, which means 65% is
due to our environment and/or choices.

3. Attention/Power. Sometimes people feel weak or
unnoticed. Weight gets them noticed. And to some people,
negative attention is better than none at all.

4. Chastity fat. Many young peoples, particularly victims
of molestation, gain weight to deflect unwanted sexual
advances. This also explains why some people sabotage their
mate’s weight loss programs….they don’t
want their mate to look too appealing to others.

If any of these issues touch a chord in you, then rejoice.
It means that you are now conscious, and that is the first
(and hardest) step toward positive change. Know that these
are not facts! They are beliefs, and we can always change
our beliefs. How can we be free of these limiting beliefs,
lifestyle, and thought processes? So while you may have a
slow metabolism (like me) and love food (like me), you can
balance it all out to look and feel the best you possibly
can. Look for Part 2 of this piece in “Why Weight - -
the Sequel” as we explore seven simple steps to
self-control.

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Dr. Irwin is a psychotherapist/therapeutic hypnotist in
private practice in Los Angeles. She treats over 100
issues, specializing in sexual abuse recovery and celebrity
stress. She is a public speaker and author as well.
http://www.drnancyirwin.com
http://www.youtube.com/DrNancyIrwin