Many people struggle with weight loss, trying everything from strict diets to intense exercise routines, only to experience short-lived results. But what if the real key to sustainable weight loss lies not in the body, but in the mind?
For many, including Carol Masika, weight gain wasn’t just about overeating it was rooted in emotional patterns and a troubled relationship with food. After trying countless diets and workouts without lasting success, Carol turned to therapy. This was a turning point. Through transformational therapy, she learned that her food choices were influenced by emotions, stress, and deeply embedded habits from childhood.
One of the most common patterns seen in adults is the emotional connection to food. From a young age, many are conditioned to associate food with love, comfort, or reward. For instance, being told to “finish everything on your plate” as a child can later manifest as overeating in adulthood, regardless of actual hunger.
Therapy helps individuals identify these patterns and rewire how they perceive food. Instead of focusing on restriction, the emphasis shifts to mindful choices and understanding how food affects overall well-being. This holistic view also reduces guilt associated with eating and removes the pressure of seeking quick fixes.
Emotional eating turning to food to cope with feelings rather than hunger is another major barrier to weight loss. Therapy helps individuals recognise these tendencies, allowing them to address their emotional needs in healthier ways.
Stress plays a major role too. When the body is under chronic stress, it releases cortisol, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels and signals the body to store fat. In evolutionary terms, this was a survival mechanism for times of scarcity. Today, however, persistent stress can sabotage weight loss efforts, making stress management an essential part of any weight loss journey.
Ultimately, sustainable weight loss is not just about eating less or exercising more. It’s about healing the mind, reshaping attitudes towards food, and adopting a lifestyle that prioritises mental and physical health. Therapy, or what some may prefer to call self-care, offers a powerful and lasting solution making it clear that real transformation starts from within.
