My Mental Health and Being Overweight

[Joshua Farrell]

I've been on and off struggling with this since I was 13-14, after I ended initial treatments for my arthritis, as the doctor I had at the time had put me through steroid use for a good year. I knew I would gain weight from it, but I didn't expect how much and for how long I would end up struggling with it. I've never really enjoyed the weight, and yes, the occasional mental breakdown because my weight shifts.

For the most part, I have managed to not over eat too much, but the weight is still ever present. The desire to eat comfort food is still present.

I have managed to make sure I don't have major issues, by actually paying attention to how I feel when I am eating certain foods and stuff, as I know what is eaten, can have a drastic affect on weight gain and a mental image of self.

What have you done to help keep your mental health in check, with being overweight even the slightest?

[Ravenfreak]

I'm overweight, but being overweight doesn't affect my mental health in a negative way. I would reach out to your doctor and see if you could get help with your weight both in a mental way and physical way. A therapist can help you with the mental hurdles, a nutritionist could help you make better choices. I hope you can find the perfect doctors to help you with this.

[Magdalene]

Over time, I’ve come to understand that struggling with overweight has nothing to do with getting great medical treatment. I've come to realise that coping takes time and it's never a quick-fix. Constantly engaging in gradual physical activity, eating balanced meals, and therapy works with time.

[Pretty]

The biggest struggle of being overweight is the acceptance of the fact. Building one’s confidence by finding support from others or constantly reminding oneself that health is not defined by size will certainly lightens the emotional burden.

[HikerShawn]

I realized I was going to die if I didn't change something.

Back then, I was 350 pounds and inactive. Now, I'm a little chubby but I bike every week, hike every weekend, and am in the best shape of my life at 41. Better than I was in my 20s!

[Olusmart]

Focusing too much on body size can trigger mental health issue. There are little habits that help lift the spirit and shift the mindset. For example, after a meal I take a 5‑minute walk, just around the house or up the stairs. It frees the brain from boredom and keeps mental health in check.

[Olumide]

I realized I was going to die if I didn't change something.

Back then, I was 350 pounds and inactive. Now, I'm a little chubby but I bike every week, hike every weekend, and am in the best shape of my life at 41. Better than I was in my 20s!

Wow, this is a huge win and it's a great mental victory for you. I’ve been there, too—once I hit a point where I was overweight. I started biking.
I love biking and that helps me to be consistent because I didn't see it as a punishment. It has been of immense benefits to my BMI (Body Mass Index).

[HikerShawn]

I realized I was going to die if I didn't change something.

Back then, I was 350 pounds and inactive. Now, I'm a little chubby but I bike every week, hike every weekend, and am in the best shape of my life at 41. Better than I was in my 20s!

Wow, this is a huge win and it's a great mental victory for you. I’ve been there, too—once I hit a point where I was overweight. I started biking.
I love biking and that helps me to be consistent because I didn't see it as a punishment. It has been of immense benefits to my BMI (Body Mass Index).

Cycling was and still is the easiest way for me to lose weight quickly.

It doesn't even feel like exercise, either. It feels like fun. It feels like being a kid again. Only the outfits are a lot cooler these days