The Deeper Meaning of Sustained Weight Loss: Beyond Vanity
- Monica Bell
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The word vanity has all kinds of connotations, and most of them are negative. Here is one definition of vanity: “excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, etc.; character or quality of being vain; conceit.”
Taking pride in one’s appearance is steeped in cultural, social, and gender-based expectations. Women are expected to look and act a certain way, and in general, men’s appearance isn’t as closely tied to success or acceptance.
Being overweight as a woman is quite simply viewed as a negative in personal and professional terms. Society equates being overweight with poor health, laziness, and lack of control. So is it “vain” to want to lose weight when the advantages are clear?
Being overweight isn’t the only area where society places expectations on appearance. Consider aging. Ageism is an enduring stereotype in our culture, especially in the workplace. So, women dye their hair and have surgical procedures to “appear” younger to even the playing field.
However, you can “have your cake and eat it too” (even though you won’t want to on a weight loss program). Optimal Hormone Health's approach to weight loss is founded on the principle of improving health and wellness for the long term.
Personal and Professional Consequences of Being Overweight
As norms slowly change, weight has less of an influence than it used to, but progress is slow. Here are some of the personal and professional consequences of being overweight.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
The pressure and expectation to conform to accepted body weight norms can lead to poor self-image, anxiety, and depression.
Romantic and Sexual Perception.
Perceptions about weight can affect dating and sexual performance.
Workplace Bias and Discrimination
Studies suggest that overweight women are often perceived as less competent or less disciplined compared to thinner employees.
Hiring and Promotion
Weight bias can affect hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities. Research suggests that overweight women earn less than thinner colleagues while men don’t experience the same wage discrepancies.
Workplace Culture
Overweight individuals may experience unsolicited weight loss advice or exclusion from social events.
Health Consequences of Being Overweight
Approaching weight loss solely in terms of appearance or vanity is less likely to be emotionally and psychologically successful. Yes, appearance is important, but viewing weight loss with a broader perspective will lead to more holistic and sustainable health changes. Let’s review some of the health consequences of being overweight.
Cardiovascular Disease
High Blood Pressure. Excess weight increases strain on the heart, leading to higher blood pressure.
Heart Disease. Higher body fat levels contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
High Cholesterol. Obesity is linked to higher levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (the good cholesterol)
Metabolic Disorders
Type 2 Diabetes. Excess weight can lead to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.
Metabolic Syndrome. A cluster of conditions (high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat) raises the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Sleep Apnea
Fat deposits around the neck can obstruct airways leading to interrupted breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea is associated with an increase in the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, dementia, and fatigue.
Joint and Mobility Problems
Being overweight stresses the joints, especially the hips and lower back, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
Hormonal Problems
Overweight women are at a higher risk of developing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS), which can cause irregular periods, infertility, and other hormonal imbalances.
Increased Cancer Risk
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of several cancers:
Breast cancer
Colorectal cancer
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
Kidney cancer
Liver cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Limits Energy and Ability to Exercise
Being overweight makes it that much harder to exercise due to these reasons:
Reduced lung capacity, making it more challenging to sustain activity.
The heart works harder to pump blood, which leads to fatigue.
Stress on the joints leads to pain and stiffness.
Inability to regulate temperature, leading to excessive sweating and discomfort
Low energy creates a cycle of avoiding exercise.
How to Approach Sustainable Weight Loss
There is no one way for someone to approach weight loss, but we have some suggestions. Our medical weight loss program aims to help you build sustainable lifestyle changes in addition to medical intervention for long-lasting success. Think of the weight loss journey as a lifelong commitment to improving your health.
Understand How GLP-1 Medications Work
GLP-1 Receptor agonist reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce cravings
Focus on Nutrition and Hydration
GLP-1 Receptor agonists reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce cravings.
Eat smaller, protein-rich meals to support muscle retention
Stay hydrated to prevent constipation
Avoid fatty, high-sugar foods
Increase fiber intake such as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
Incorporate Exercise and Strength Training
If you are new to exercise, start with low-impact cardio, such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
To prevent muscle loss, include strength training 2-3 days per week and consider working with a professional trainer.
Consider yoga or stretching to improve mobility.
Commit to and Plan for Long-Term Success
Avoid stopping abruptly and understand that weight regain is common after stopping a weight loss program if you haven’t made lifestyle changes.
Healthy habits take time to develop. Be patient and always keep your goals in mind.
Weight Loss Done Right
With the appropriate approach to weight loss, you will look and feel better, but remember to have reasonable expectations about your body image. Although you may be much healthier, try not to focus too much on your appearance. You are unlikely to have a “perfect body” if that is your goal. Research shows that weight loss is more successful when the goal is good health rather than vanity. However, as you lose weight, enjoy and appreciate a body that can do more, is less susceptible to illness, and gives you the energy to enjoy life.
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