How Mental Health Impacts Weight Loss and Weight Gain?

Mental health is a primary topic that we would like to mention, as discussed in the previous blogs. Why? Because mental health is ignored by many or its importance is neglected.

Mental health is an important well-being that needs to be given importance to sustain balance in our lives. 

There are now many informative blogs and guides for weight loss and weight gain, whereas preserving mental health against negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and overthinking is an important parameter.

Let us discuss the role of mental health in weight loss and gain in this blog!

Mind-Body Connection

There is always a connection between mind and body. The reason is the key player here in weight loss or gain. “What do you think you will become?” is the most impactful quote that I would like to address in this context.

Emotions and physical reactions: 

Emotions play a vital role in our body to promote mental wellness. Our body responds according to our emotions, whether they are positive or negative.

Stress and Hormones:

When we are stressed, there is a hormone released in our body called cortisol. A small amount of cortisol is less harmful, but when it is high, it can create unnecessary weight gain or loss.

Another important factor we need to address here is your gut, which is your stomach. The stomach responds accordingly to your emotions. That is why, when you are panicked or unhappy, you either feel stressed or bloated.

Mental health and energy levels vary according to your emotions. Feeling happy would elevate the energy level, whereas feeling low or depressed can create many negative emotions like fear, anxiety, stress, anger, jealousy, and a lot more.

How do I manage my mental health and weight?

Mental health can be managed by healthy activities such as yoga, meditation, and progressive relaxation techniques.

Maintaining the diet could also improve your mental health and weight. Being at an ideal weight is essential for anyone. There is a health indicator that comes into play: BMI.

BMI is defined as a body mass index that is calculated based on your height and weight. Calculate yours now!

Healthy habits like mindful eating and consistent sleep timings keep you at the right weight. Stress eating and emotional eating should be avoided.

Read More: Practical Tips for Better Sleep Quality

How do I manage anxiety and weight gain?

Set realistic goals:

Setting realistic goals is important to prevent unwanted pressure or stress. Time management is needed to complete the goals successfully.

Identifying the time-consuming tasks and breaking them into small tasks could also improve your productivity and focus. Doing this could reduce your panic and stabilise your mind.

Mindful Eating:

Eating mindfully should be a subconscious behaviour to manage your anxiety level. Being in the present helps to chew the food properly and experience the taste.

Read More: Mindfulness and Mental Health

Balanced Diet:

A proper diet routine should be maintained regularly. Eating the right food at the right time is the key to a happy gut. Though anxiety is a behaviour that starts with the brain, indirectly, the gut is the root cause.

Vitamin C fruits such as bananas, oranges, and grapes can enhance your mood and skin tone and keep you healthy. 

Dark chocolate can also enhance your mood and keep you away from anxiety. Anxiety can cause both weight gain and weight loss in your body. Balancing the diet is needed to maintain an ideal body weight.

Build Self-Esteem:

Managing your self-esteem can also reduce your anxiety level. Indulging yourself in physical activities like walking, cycling, and weight training will improve your self-esteem and boost your confidence.

Limiting exposure to social media can help you avoid negative influences on your body and mind. Attention-seeking behaviour or being insecure can cause more harm than good. Being yourself is the key to a happy and peaceful life.

Celebrate small wins:

Celebrating small achievements in life not only boosts your mental health but also encourages you to attain long-term goals.  

Running towards long-term goals is needed, but taking a break and self-appreciation are also to be considered. Great achievements come in life through small celebrations and wins.

How do you manage depression and weight loss?

Mental Health Professional: Seeking a psychiatrist or therapist is recommended when the depression level is high. If you are hesitating to meet in person, then online counselling is also available through video and audio sessions.

Nutritionists or dietitians can help with the food routine as part of a monthly or yearly plan. It will be beneficial to understand more about the body, healthy foods, and their sources.

Foods to avoid

So far, we have discussed foods that can be taken. Let us see the foods to be avoided. Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats—junk foods—can increase your mood. 

Excess caffeine should be avoided, and after 5 p.m., coffees are recommended to be avoided to promote sleep quality.

People Interaction

Socialising with people regularly can also help you overcome depression and anxiety. Sharing experiences would be a therapy to relieve the depressed state.

Being kind to yourself is the first and foremost behaviour for mental peace and happiness. Spirituality is the best way to overcome depression since it calms your mind and body. Meditating regularly for 10 to 15 minutes forgets all the indigestible memories.

I hope all our blog readers find the suggested methods informative and practical. Please share your thoughts in the comment section!