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How to overcome your weight-loss fears
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AP Photo: Face your fears this October.
It may seem like fear is the last thing keeping you from working out. After all, the number one reason people give when asked why they don't work out is a "lack of time". It's true that many people have busy schedules with work, family, and other obligations taking up all of their time, but it's quite possible that some unconscious fear may be keeping you from achieving your fitness goals as well. Following are a few bits of advice for those looking to become aware of and overcome these fears.
Remember that you will be the same person, no matter what your size
The misconception that becoming thinner or more fit will change your identity can be a problem in two ways. A person may believe that thinness is the only way to happiness, and thus, that whatever problems they have will disappear after they become the perfect weight. On the opposite side of the spectrum, a person may be concerned about how people who have known them for a whole lifetime will react - for example, if you're trying to lose weight, yet your spouse or parent keeps cooking deliciously fatty meals, you may concerned about them resenting you for sticking to a stricter fitness plan.
It's important to realize that, while your body may change, you will still be the same person on the inside - with the same good qualities and bad qualities, and the same non-weight related problems that you had before making the change (unless of course you're woking on solving those problems at the same time as you're working on improving your body, which is a difficult thing to do). It's equally important to realize that true friends and family will support your decision to be healthier. If anyone you are close to is giving you trouble, take the time to explain how important your fitness goals are to them, and ask if they could be kind enough to show their support. If they cannot, it is not your problem.
Know that you are in control of your body
Another fear that can impede people on their path to weight loss or a greater level of fitness is the fear of suddenly receiving unwanted sexual attention. As a person brings his or her body closer to the societal ideal, it is possible that they will receive more attention of a sexual nature (though of course people of all shapes and sizes can be attractive, and someone of any size may have to deal with unwanted attention of this manner). If this happens to be a fear you have, take solace in the fact that you are in control. If you feel uncomfortable, you can cover yourself up in baggier clothes, and if you feel especially vulnerable, you can see a therapist or take a class in self-defense.
Whatever your weight loss fears may be, overcoming them is something you may have to work on in order to achieve your goals.
For more info: see this article by Alice Lesch Kelly.
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