Riding the Emotions on Your Weight Loss Journey with Dr. Maribeth Orr
Much like the stages of grief, the journey of weight loss is marked by different emotional stages you'll encounter. From the initial excitement and motivation to the inevitable setbacks and frustrations, the emotional landscape of weight loss is vast and varied. In this episode, we’ll explore all of them with Dr. Maribeth Orr, a fellow obesity physician from Heartland Weight Loss in Lawrence, Kansas, who specializes in patients aged 12 and up.
Dr. Orr has her own personal struggle with obesity, starting during her medical residency, and she'll share her insights on what to expect during your weight loss journey. We'll discuss the range of emotions you may experience, how your life may change—both the good and the bad—and what you can expect along the way.
The Emotional Rollercoaster of Weight Loss
In the path to weight loss, emotions run deep. It's a roller coaster of feelings, from overwhelming to frustrating, from anger to hopelessness, and even moments of happiness. Initially, the onslaught of information about biochemistry and behavior modifications can be daunting. It feels like everything needs changing at once, but it's crucial to remember: it's a journey, not a sprint.
Think of it almost like stages of grief. There's shock and disbelief at the changes required, followed by bouts of anger. Why does it have to be so hard? It's like fighting against the very biology of our bodies, which naturally resist weight loss. But understanding that obesity is a disease, not a matter of willpower, is key. It's about tackling the metabolic adaptations and hormonal shifts that make weight loss difficult.
Acknowledging this doesn't mean giving up; it's empowering. It provides a roadmap for targeted interventions instead of relying solely on sheer willpower. And amidst the struggles, it's essential to find balance. Perfection isn't the goal; it's about progress. Every setback is an opportunity to start afresh, to make better choices, one meal, one minute at a time.
So, if you stumble, don't despair. Remember, every fall is a chance to do a metaphorical burpee, to pick yourself up and keep going. It's about resilience, not perfection. And through it all, allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of emotions, knowing that each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory in itself.
Embracing the Suck
Dr. Orr shares her mindset and approach to the ups and downs of weight loss, which she calls 'Embracing the Suck.' While it's normal to feel overwhelmed and defeated at times, learning to find strength in facing these challenges is key.
She first heard this phrase during a grueling long-distance triathlon. As she struggled up a hill, a spectator yelled, "Embrace the suck!" Surprisingly, it made her laugh and forget about the pain, at least for a moment. It gave her the strength to keep pushing forward.
"Embracing the suck" means finding power in tough moments. It's about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of thinking, "Why is this so hard?," I tell myself, "This is tough, but I can do it, and I'll feel proud when I'm through."
I often remind myself and my patients that we're capable of doing hard things. Drawing strength from past experiences is key. For example, giving birth to four children was incredibly tough. So, when faced with a new challenge, I remember that I've overcome hard things before, and I can do it again.
Life is full of challenges, and weight loss is just one of them. But each challenge we overcome makes us stronger and more resilient. So, the next time you're facing a tough moment in your weight loss journey, remember to "embrace the suck." It may not make the journey any easier, but it will give you the strength to keep going, one step at a time.
Building Your Support System
Finding support from others who are going through similar challenges can make a huge difference in a weight loss journey.
It's always encouraged for people on the path to weight loss to build their own support system. Whether it's involving family members, finding close friends who are on a similar journey, or connecting with supportive communities online, having a network to rely on through the ups and downs is important.
Dr. Orr emphasizes the importance of having a support system, saying, "It takes a village." She encourages her patients to share everything during their frequent follow-ups, discussing challenges and finding solutions together.
However, she understands that not everyone has supportive family or friends. It can be tough when those around you aren't on board with your lifestyle changes.
One example of this is dealing with tempting foods in the house. Dr. Orr shares her own experience with Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, explaining that although her husband loves them, she can't resist. So, they made a pact: he keeps them in his closet, out of sight.
Remember, there is importance in finding strategies that work for your specific environment. Whether it's negotiating certain foods, keeping trigger foods out of sight, or finding other creative solutions, the key is to find what works best for you.
Managing Emotions on the Weight Loss Path
Have you noticed that when you start to see progress on your body, people start noticing too?
There have been reports that as patients progress in their weight loss journey, they begin to notice others noticing them – a phase that can be both exciting and uncomfortable.
During this process, patients often receive well-intentioned but sometimes unwelcome advice or comments from friends and family. Some might even experience a sense of isolation as relationships shift due to their changing appearance.
The cultural stigma around weight loss can make these interactions particularly challenging. People often attribute weight loss to character flaws rather than acknowledging the hard work and dedication it requires.
Dr. Orr recalls, “I've seen this firsthand in my practice. Patients often share uncomfortable encounters, such as being asked if they are sick or receiving inappropriate comments about their changing body size.
As a healthcare provider, navigating these conversations is crucial. I often encourage patients to redirect discussions about their weight loss to their improving health. This helps shift the focus from physical appearance to overall well-being.
However, even with positive changes, some people still experience something called imposter syndrome. Despite their progress, they struggle to see themselves as the architects of their success, feeling as though someone else must be responsible for their achievements.
It's essential to recognize the emotional toll of weight loss and metabolic health journeys. Therapy or counseling can be beneficial to help people navigate the complex emotions that arise during this process.
In an ideal world, weight loss programs would include a multidisciplinary approach, integrating mental health support alongside medical care. This would provide individuals with the comprehensive support they need to address both the physical and emotional aspects of their transformation.
Tune in to the full podcast episode to explore the emotional side of weight loss and discover practical strategies to help you along the way.
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