Will I Be Happier Once I Lose Weight?

It's normal to think you might be happier if you lose weight, as society continually reinforces the association between thinness and happiness. It’s true that losing weight can initially create a short-term feeling of well-being; however, this effect is only temporary, as weight loss does not necessarily lead to long-term happiness.

Feeling better doesn’t come from trying to change who we are but rather from focusing on self-respect and self-acceptance.

Putting Life on “Hold”

Our society is obsessed with thinness, which has become the ultimate standard of beauty and success. Adults (and even young children) mistakenly associate weight loss and thinness with success, control, and happiness. Society bombards us with messages that reinforce these associations. This explains why we’ve come to believe that thinness equals happiness. Some people even put their lives on “hold” while waiting to lose weight: no new clothes, no outings, and no new job until they’re thinner!

The “Honeymoon” Effect

The euphoria associated with weight loss is often called the “honeymoon phase.” However, this mindset is fleeting, as regaining weight within five years is almost inevitable, and weight loss doesn’t change who you are. More importantly, losing weight doesn’t magically solve our problems or help us deal with fears, challenges, and flaws.

The trap of weight loss is believing that getting thinner will improve self-esteem and provide a lasting sense of control. In fact, data shows that people who have lost weight are often less happy and show more depressive symptoms than those who haven’t. Realizing with disappointment that losing weight didn’t change self-perception or one’s emotional state may partly explain these effects.

Accepting Oneself Above All

Losing weight doesn’t make you happier. What is more likely to contribute to happiness is respecting yourself—not only regarding your physical appearance but, more importantly, who you are as a person.

A Few Suggestions:

• Learn to know yourself well by becoming aware of your strengths and weaknesses.
• Respect yourself by making life choices that reflect who you are rather than trying to please others.
• Surround yourself with people you feel good around, with whom you can be truly yourself.
• Adopt healthy habits to take care of yourself.

Remember a Moment When You Felt Happy…

Would you describe that moment in terms of numbers on a scale, or rather by the emotions you experienced, the place you were, or the people around you?