With two thirds of our population either overweight or obese, it’s time we pulled out all the stops to manage this health crisis. Today, I’d like to share my thoughts about the emotional basis of overeating and obesity.
Many people ask my help in reaching their ideal weight. Most know what they should be eating, yet, their conscious, logical mind frequently loses to the emotional power of the subconscious.
Two emotional components contribute to obesity. First of all, we all use distracters to cope with uncomfortable emotions. We have a feeling (emotion) and take an action which is meant to make us feel better. For instance, we are bored or anxious so we eat, drink alcohol, or perhaps use tobacco. We are satisfied for while and so later on when we experience the emotion again, we take the same action. One suggestion I make is that we start to identify our emotions and satisfy them in an appropriate way. For instance, if we are bored, we can engage in meaningful activity. If we are lonesome, we can cultivate new friendships. We eat nutritious food only in response to true physical hunger.
Secondly, extra weight can also be encouraged by the subconscious to provide a “blanket of protection”. The subconscious is very powerful, creative, and sometimes misguided. Creating a blanket of tissue can be metaphoric protection against real or imaginary fears. The subconscious mind of people who have been abused, especially sexually, frequently creates excess weight as a protective barrier.
How does hypnotherapy/guided imagery help? It helps in several ways.
1. It gives hope that a change can be made.
2. It removes outdated beliefs and barriers to success
3. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and irrational fears.
4. It encourages good eating and exercise habits.
5. It uncovers underlying issues that needs to be addressed and changed.
6. It can eliminate cravings
7. It is empowering.
Have you experienced the benefits of hypnotherapy for weight loss? Would you like to? Please share your thoughts.
