Every few years a new study or news article comes out telling us the biggest obstacle to weight loss. Often it’s something that seems obvious like lack of exercise or a poor diet. But did you know that these are secondary to the main challenge everyone faces?
What is the biggest obstacle to weight loss?
The truth is that what’s holding us back is our own mind.
According to a survey commissioned by Orlando Health, the most overlooked factor in weight gain is psychological. Big surprise, right? (Maybe not.)
A press release at the time stated:
“A recent national survey of more than a thousand people commissioned by Orlando Health found that 31 percent of Americans think a lack of exercise is the biggest barrier to weight loss, followed by those who say it’s what you eat (26%) and the cost of a healthy lifestyle (17%). Another 12 percent said the biggest barrier to weight loss was the necessary time commitment. Only 1 in 10, however, thought psychological well-being was a factor.”
Modern American society often seems preoccupied with only what’s observable, the external things. If this survey is any indication, we might want to look closer at what’s going on inside us. In this case, we have to look deeper into the mind.
Another article in the Huffington Post cites several experts on the link between the mind and eating. In it, obesity psychologist Jim Keller explains that, “the human body and brain are designed to eat.” Dr. Howard Rankin follows up saying, “What drives our behavior is not logic but brain biochemistry, habits and addiction, states of consciousness and what we see people around us doing. We are emotional beings with the ability to rationalize — not rational beings with emotions.”
If emotions are in my mind, don’t I just have to manage my mood to lose weight?
In the last blog, Dr. Ashley gave us some insights into emotional eating and how treatments like acupuncture can help people beat it. Emotional eating is an outward response to an inward struggle.
However, this is only a symptom of what lies beneath the surface. Emotions that drive us to eat originate from somewhere or something. Eating is a habit that is learned or adopted as a coping mechanism.
It’s important to recognize the relationship between eating and the mind.
Does acupuncture really help me overcome mental barriers to weight loss?
The mind is a finely tuned machine that needs to be looked after as much as our bodies. There are a lot of ways to keep it in great shape, and yes, acupuncture is one of them.
Acupuncture authority AcuFinder writes this:
“Acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help optimize your brain power through a treatment approach that incorporates different modalities, including nutritional support…Disharmony of the mind often manifests as anxiety, insomnia, muddled thinking, forgetfulness and chronic restlessness.”
Keeping mentally healthy is a gift to ourselves that keeps on giving. And it doesn’t stop with acupuncture and a healthy diet. It also includes good sleep hygiene, conscious stress management techniques, making social connections and, yes, exercise.
When we build the strength of our mind, we give ourselves the means to overcome our biggest obstacle to weight loss. What’s more, we can achieve our most cherished goals. That includes weight loss, and that’s only the beginning.
Sharpen your focus and find your inner discipline to lose weight through acupuncture. Contact us to book an appointment with Dr. Ashley Hoyt. Your free consultation can set you on the path to weight loss.
