Are You Suffering from Mental Obesity?

When I decided on the title for this article, I had no idea that the words mental obesity are already used by some people to describe the intellectual laziness and disinterest that often result when children's minds become addicted to junk information such as video games, chat rooms, and text messages. Referring  to an entirely different circumstance I use the term mental obesity; A common phenomena that I have experienced first hand in myself.

Many people who have previously been overweight or obese continue seeing themselves as such in their mind. Their weight loss could be 15, 30, 40 pounds and maybe more. It doesn't matter. A once overweight or obese woman who wears a size six dress is often, in her mind, still obese. This is the phenomenon that I call mental obesity.

Once it has taken root, it is very difficult to shed this belief. It is also something the mentally obese person is often ashamed to admit, embarrassed to say aloud. On one level, the now slim person is perfectly aware that she or he is no longer obese. Scales and clothing sizes will certify this evidence. Higher energy levels and new physical prowess confirm it every day. Yet on a completely other, irrational, level the mentally obese person knows he or she is still obese, still overweight.

If you are mentally obese you understand that you have physically lost the weight, however you still feel as though you're obese. In addition you realize quickly that you can't express this feeling. More than likely when the people around you are overweight and you aren't. You know you are being ridiculous. You realize others will think you are fishing for compliments. You might  make the same accusation if the roles were reversed. It is important to hold your tongue. However, in your mind your obesity is still there.

Nowhere to turn, mentally obese persons have. Obese people have to be cautious for selection of their clothing. The skimpy new clothes stay at home, in the closet. It is difficult for mentally obese people to dance in public. For photographs, they still prefer to pose sideways. They are still terrified of looking at photos or home videos of themselves.

The most difficult aspect of being mentally obese may be the extreme loneliness that accompanies it. You can be just as lonely with mental obesity when you used to gasp for air up one flight of stairs as someone else passes you. If you believe yourself to be obese you will probably be pulling your shirt down to cover your behind as you walk up a staircase.

Losing a considerable amount of weight necessitates a period of adjustment and the adoption of a new life style is not a simple matter. If you can't see yourself as thin despite the weight loss-please seek help. Seek out the appropriate person with whom to discuss your situation such as your family doctor if you have one.