Wendel Abel
THE PROBLEM of obesity is emerging as a major problem worldwide and, of course, it is a problem here in Jamaica. Reports in many countries are even showing that obesity is becoming a major problem among children.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE FACTORS LEADING TO OBESITY?
Many factors lead to obesity. These factors include genetic problems, as it has clearly been shown that obesity runs in families, and metabolic factors which influence how we use food and store fat. The metabolic factors vary from person to person. Cultural factors play a role, as we celebrate events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and even funerals, by preparing and eating a lot of food.
DO PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS PLAY A ROLE IN OBESITY?
Most certainly. Many persons are overweight because they overeat. They overeat because of psychological problems. Many individuals will overeat when they are stressed, anxious or depressed. Overeating may also be associated with problems going back to our childhood, such as being over fed as children or experiencing hunger and deprivation. Many persons attribute their overeating to living with parents who manipulated them with food. Whatever is your experience, try to get to the heart of this and get therapy if necessary.
CAN OBESITY AFFECT MY PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE?
Many persons who are overweight have poor self-esteem and are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Apart from affecting how we feel about ourselves, poor self-esteem may also affect how we carry ourselves, how we dress, how we relate to others and may also impact our sense of attractiveness.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH OBESITY
1 - Develop an active lifestyle. This is the most important thing in losing weight. Take up a hobby that will increase your level of activity. Gardening is great and it is very gratifying. Use the stairs at work and use the elevator less.
2 - Do not focus on fatness. Avoid negative self talk, such as 'I hate myself', 'I am going to get rid of this fat'.
3 - Create a mental image of yourself as a slimmer person and work towards that.
4 - A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. That first step towards losing weight starts with the first step. Start with moderate exercise during the first week. Start with 10 minutes, three times per week, for the first week. After you have settled into a routine, you should exercise for at least one hour per week for most days of the week.
5 - Stick with a programme you enjoy. Be consistent. Your exercise programme does not have to be painful. Do not subscribe to the notion of 'no pain, no gain'.
6 - Set realistic goals.
7 - Do not compare yourself with others. Set your goals for yourself and embark on a programme that will work for you.
8 - When you succeed at achieving your goals, reward yourself. Avoid using food as a reward.
9 - There are many activities in which you may become involved in order to lose weight, such as reading about nutrition, joining a support group, special diet programmes and therapy to deal with underlying problems.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
