Emotions are the main obstacle to losing weight
When you try to address such a sensitive issue as training of Overweight people , the fulfillment or not of the objectives that have been marked will depend basically 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.
Emotions are key to gain or lose weight
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 (lose weight), such as psychological aspects .
The relationship between emotions and weight loss is clear. For example, at times of emotional instability we are more likely to consume fatty foods. But psychological and emotional variables are not only important for success in the diet, but also have an important effect on the success of physical training (for example, in the adherence).
The experts in physical activity 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 they have revealed patterns of lifestyle that are harmful, behaviors that are addictive and personal and family challenges that interfere in the achievement of client objectives.
Regarding this, it is necessary that these factors be redirected to be able 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 the achievement of this goal.
A study conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center, which involved 1,300 psychologists who answered questions about their work with clients who had problems losing weight, concluded that the emotional aspects can hamper the weight loss plan .
44% of psychologists said they used the strategy of "understanding and managing behaviors and emotions related to weight control", because it worked very well to lose weight and not recover it, 43% of psychologists also cited "the Emotional eating "as a barrier to weight loss.
92% of respondents offering weight loss treatment reported that they helped 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 that interfere with the achievement of nutritional goals and physical exercise.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and motivation
In addition, 43% of respondents also commented that "maintaining a routine of regular exercise" is one of the keys to lose 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 of 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 the weight loss diet, such as replacing thoughts about a cake for others in which there is wholemeal bread or a food with even less carbohydrates.
In conclusion, emotions and the commitment to exercise are one of the most common challenges faced by people who want to lose weight . Many people can shatter many of the efforts they have made for a long time because of psychological issues. When these people combine emotional work with lifestyle change, the results come.
