Our culture is shaped by traditions dating back to our ancestors. It impacts a variety of things in our lives, including body image, food, eating, and weight.
I’m ready. Because I can love my body and stay healthy.
Some things from one′s culture, like certain food and activities, may impact weight-management goals. Recognize which ones are challenging. Personally work to address them. It may help with weight loss in both the short and long term.
Trusting Your Decisions
Many health care professionals know there′s a science behind weight loss, but they may not know the impact that culture has on weight loss needs. When making decisions about a weight-management plan with your health care professional, feelings of hesitation may arise. That′s OK. Start with an open, honest conversation.
Express your concerns.
Ask questions.
Establish your goals upfront.
Be sure to share how traditions, family, and foods impact your weight-loss goals. Talking to a health care professional about weight can be uncomfortable, especially after gaining it back. Some people may feel guilty, judged, or that it could be their fault. Knowing the science behind weight can make it easier to have a conversation.
The Science of Weight and the Truth
Remember, knowledge is power. Learning there′s a science behind weight can be key to achieving your weight-management goals.
For all people regardless of culture and background, losing weight and maintaining it is hard because of how the body responds to weight loss. So it′s not all your fault. After losing weight, the body tries to put it back on. While healthy eating and increased physical activity are important, for many folks they may not be enough to keep the weight off.
Following weight loss, the body′s metabolism slows down, and appetite hormones change—making you feel more hungry and less full.
This response to weight loss can make weight management as challenging as actually losing the weight.
Did you know your brain is responsible for when and why you eat?
The Weight of Stress
Stress from finances, work, friends, and family may cause someone to experience changes in weight. When someone is experiencing stress, the body may release hormones that increase cravings for sugary, fatty foods which may cause them to "stress eat." So be sure to talk about stress in your life with your health care professional when making a weight-management plan.
The Importance of Family Support
Family and loved ones may have an impact on weight-loss goals. They may say your weight is fine, but your health care professional may say it′s not. Having family members who are supportive of a healthy weight-management plan can help impact success in the long term. After making a weight-management plan with your health care professional, share the plan with family members and loved ones and ask for their support.
Discover more ways to help you stick to your weight-management plan.
