It seems to me ....: ... that some of... - Weight Loss Support

Weight Loss Support

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It seems to me ....

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... that some of the problem with the weight loss thing might be the way we tend to talk about it generally in society.

"I've lost a bit of weight" has a kind of negative feel to it, a bit like "I lost my Dad when I was in my teens" - loss, bereavement - all a bit negative

"I've cut down on my calories" - similarly, a bit like "I've cut my hand" - pain, hurt - it's got a bit of a negative twist to it.

"Eating less" - has a bit of a connotation of religious fasting or 'giving something up for Lent' (if you're of that persuasion) - a bit penetential perhaps.

And then I think about some publicity campaigns, like that one a few years back, "Reclaiming the Railways".

For many of us, we once were reasonably fit/active and reasonably the right weight, so perhaps we should see it more like reclaiming our real selves, or getting back home to our the bodies we once knew, or coming out of the prison of the body that became encased in fat.

It's much better to be travelling TO a specific somewhere, rather than away FROM something.

And I don't really think we latch onto those more positive ideas enough and so we generally just don't give losing weight a positive enough 'spin'.

So, perhaps it should be less about weight loss, and more about getting back to my better, healthier, fitter, me.

Just a thought.

3 Replies
johnsonfamily38 profile image
johnsonfamily38

Isn't this a British understatement thing?

I agree with your comments ... perhaps you could compile a list of "positive" phrases to use instead.

Personnally, "I'll be 25kg lighter in April and a lot leaner; after running my weight loss regime".

Yes, perhaps

But many things have a kind of 'social construct' and I just wonder if the one around weight loss could be improved.

:-) I am positive about cutting out the negative things in my life just as I am with enjoying food and, yes, becoming healthier. I like positive things...if we talk positively then others will perceive what we are doing in a positive light :-) Happy weight loss journey :-)

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