Overweight

Being overweight can have various effects. Sometimes these are mainly physical. Sometimes they are also emotional.

You may, for example, notice that:

• moving becomes more difficult;
• you get out of breath more quickly;
• you experience pain in your feet, knees, hips or back;
• you have little energy;
• if you feel insecure about your body;
• you find your clothes less comfortable to wear;
• food you eat when feeling stressed or emotional;
• I keep failing to lose weight time and time again;
• you find other people’s comments annoying.

Perhaps you feel ashamed of your excess weight. That shame can make it harder to ask for help.

You can become overweight if, over a prolonged period, you consume more energy than you burn. But that is not the whole story. Sleep, stress, emotions, hormones, age, medication, pain and a lack of exercise can all play a part.

The environment, too, does not always make it easy to make healthy choices. Food is available everywhere, much work involves sitting down, and leisure activities often take place in front of a screen.

In addition, previous attempts at dieting may play a part. Losing weight drastically and then regaining it can lead to disappointment and a loss of confidence.

It helps to start with habits that you can stick to.

For example, you could:

• stick to fixed mealtimes;
• eating more vegetables, fruit and wholemeal products;
• drinking water instead of sweet drinks;
• eat smaller portions;
• snack less often;
• daily exercise at your own level;
• taking sleep and stress seriously;
• seek support from someone close to you.

Don’t focus solely on weight. More energy, less pain, better sleep and easier movement are also important improvements.

It is wise to seek help if being overweight is affecting your health or day-to-day functioning. It is also a good idea to seek advice if you keep failing to lose weight, experience binge eating or feel a great deal of shame.

Please contact your GP if you are overweight and also have high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart problems or other medical conditions.

Together, we’ll look at what is contributing to your excess weight and what steps are feasible. In doing so, we’ll consider diet, exercise, sleep, stress, emotions and daily habits.

A lifestyle coach can help you develop and maintain healthier choices. A physiotherapist can provide support if moving around is difficult due to pain or a lack of fitness. A podiatrist can offer advice on foot problems or footwear. In cases of emotional eating or feelings of shame, it can psychological support should be appropriate.

Together, we will find an approach that suits your lifestyle and your health.