When trying to address a topic as delicate as training of Overweight people whether or not the objectives that have been set are met will basically depend on two factors.
First, the technical aspects related to training and nutrition; and second, the management of the client’s environment: emotions, customs and habits, beliefs or motivation.
Most people know that to lose weight it is necessary to eat less and/or exercise more, but many overlook other factors that will favor or hinder this goal (losing weight), such as psychological aspects
The relationship between emotions and weight loss is clear. For example, in times of emotional instability We are more likely to consume fatty foods. But psychological and emotional variables are not only important for diet success, they also have an important effect on the success of physical training (for example, in the adherence).
Physical activity experts have long have paid attention to psychological factors (motivation, emotional management, realistic expectations, beliefs about oneself, etc.), since research on the aspects that affect exercise and nutrition has led them to explore emotional needs, and many times have revealed patterns of lifestyle that are harmful, behaviors that are addictive, and personal and family challenges that interfere with clients’ achievement of goals.
Regarding this, it is necessary that these factors be redirected in order to follow the weight loss plan successfully.
Psychology has also provided scientific evidence in this regard.
But not only physical activity experts have explored the emotional variables that affect success in weight loss, but psychologists have also been interested in the relationship between emotions and achieving this goal.
A study carried out by Consumer Reports National Research Centerwhich involved 1,300 psychologists who answered questions about their work with clients struggling with weight loss, concluded that Emotional aspects can hinder the weight loss plan
44% of psychologists stated that they used the strategy of “understanding and managing behaviors and emotions related to weight control”, as it worked very well to lose weight and keep it off. 43% of psychologists also cited “the emotional eating” as a barrier to weight loss.
92% of respondents offering weight loss treatment reported helping patients correct emotional problems related to weight gain. More than 70% identified the cognitive behavioral therapy (problem solving, attention techniques, etc.) as an excellent weight loss strategy. That is, cognitive behavioral therapy is useful because it helps people identify and address negative thoughts and emotions that can lead to unhealthy behaviors and that interfere with achieving nutritional and physical exercise goals.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and motivation
In addition, 43% of those surveyed also commented that “maintaining a regular exercise routine” is one of the keys to losing weight. Regarding this, there are many studies that talk about the relationship between emotional intelligence and intrinsic motivation, and Jose Maria Buceta, in his book “Psychological Variables Related to Physical and Sports Performance” explains the relationship between motivation and adherence to physical training.
On the other hand, the psychologist Adrián Triglia, in an article in Psychology and Mind called “Why Diets May Not Work,” reviews the psychological and emotional strategies proposed by Traci Mann, of the University of Minnesota, to improve adherence to a weight loss diet, such as replacing thoughts about a cake for others in which whole wheat bread or a food with even fewer carbohydrates appears.
In conclusion, Emotions and commitment to exercise are one of the most common challenges faced by people who want to lose weight Many people can undo many of the efforts they have made for a long time due to psychological reasons. When these people combine emotional work with lifestyle change, the results come.
