Among the problems that are most often addressed to a psychologist, the issue of excess weight is quite common. Many women tried many diets and used numerous methods of losing weight, but did not achieve the desired result. In some cases, the result was temporary. What is the psychological background of the problem of excess weight?
Being overweight and feeling loved
It turns out that there is a strong connection between food and the feeling that we are loved. This connection is formed in childhood, when the mother leans the baby to her chest and thereby shows that he is loved. Thus, food, a sense of care and love are linked together, and when one thing is touched, other experiences arise by association. For example, if a person feels the need for love and care, he recalls that he received them in food, and thus seeks to compensate for what he lacks. Gradually, food begins to replace love and for some time creates the illusion that we receive care. And then extra pounds appear, which are very difficult to get rid of.
Sexual dissatisfaction
The second reason for food addiction can be sexual dissatisfaction, since from the physiological point of view, food and sex give pleasant sensations that are almost equal in strength. In both cases, physiologists will talk about those substances and hormones of pleasure that are produced at these moments. Therefore, sexual dissatisfaction and lack of harmony in relations with a partner can be offset by the need to eat something tasty. And again, extra pounds are obtained.
For some time, with a great effort of will, you can cope with excess weight with the help of diets and various exercises. However, if the psychological component continues to push toward compensation for other needs with food, then at some point a breakdown occurs and the arrow of the scales again rapidly creeps up. Nutritionists in such cases are advised to pull themselves together and start all over again. However, the best option is to eliminate the causes that lead to such breakdowns.