The Importance of Improving Body Image for Weight Loss

Is there a connection between body image and weight loss? Research suggests that body positivity can have a profound impact on fitness success.

So many people still don't realise that weight loss is much more than the calories in/calories out balance. Emotional and psychological factors play an important role. People that are happy, positive and confident find it much easier to shed the pounds and to maintain their new, healthy weight.

The Research

The results of an interesting study were published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity. Spanish clinicians worked with overweight and obese women over a period of one year. The volunteers were divided in two groups.

Members of the first group focused on exercise, healthy nutrition and stress management. The weight loss programme that the second group participated in took in consideration factors like emotional eating, body image, overcoming personal barriers and the main reasons for people to stray from a healthy diet plan.

The researchers found out that the women who focused on improved self-image were more capable of self-regulating eating. These women lost an average of seven per cent of their body weight in comparison to only two per cent for the control group.

Positive Body Image: How?

Weight loss hypnosis is one of the best opportunities for improving body image. According to a study published in American Health Magazine, hypnosis produced 93 per cent better results than other methods for improving body image.

How does it happen? Hypnotherapy for weight loss focuses on the manner in which people perceive themselves, the level of comfort that an individual has with their appearance, taking better care of oneself and putting emphasis on health rather than on unrealistic weight ideals.

If you opt for this possibility, you'll work with a therapist on the issues that are causing the lack of self-esteem. You'll learn how to establish healthier habits. The sub-conscious mind holds many of the answers when it comes to the manner in which you see yourself. Working on this self-perception will also improve the outcomes of weight loss efforts.

Is the Option Right for You?

Weight loss hypnosis can help you if you tend to put yourself down, experience self-doubt frequently, don't know how to cope with negative emotions and you feel like you don't have control over your destiny.

All of these negative behaviours affect your life and your body. If you're incapable of dealing with negative emotions, you may turn to food as a source of comfort. According to the National Centre for Eating Disorders, over 12 million people in the UK are compulsive overeaters. One in two people trying to lose weight have gotten engaged in binge eating at least once, with women being much more vulnerable.

Beginning to change emotionally is one of the most important prerequisites for weight loss success. If you can accept yourself and you feel happy in your skin, chances are that you'll find the weight loss efforts a breeze. Hypnotherapy for weight loss can give you the answers and help you identify the patterns leading to low self-esteem. Once you know what areas to target, you'll start moving forward at a quick pace.

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