Don't Buy into the "Fairytale of Weight Loss"

Want to lose weight and keep it off? Then don't buy into the "fairytale of weight loss": The idea that getting thinner will make you happier, more successful, and an all-around better person. Why? Because, people who expect happiness from weight loss - and don't get it - are much more likely to gain the weight back.

It's true that losing weight will make you healthier......And reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes, increase your energy and mobility, and help you live longer. Losing weight can also improve your self-image, and make it easier to buy clothes. But it won't solve your problems......Because you'll still be the same person -- in the same situation -- only thinner.

But it makes sense that so many people buy into the weight loss fairytale......With all the reality shows, weight loss books, movies, TV shows, and ads for surgery showing people dropping major weight and getting seemingly-perfect lives.

But dietician Keith Ayoob isn't surprised that weight loss chat rooms, forums and blogs are filled with people who wonder why they're disappointed when they drop weight. Ayoob calls it "The Lottery Effect."

In other words, people think that "if only" they won the lottery, life would be perfect......And many dieters believe the same thing. But when expectations don't mesh with reality, they often become disappointed, discouraged, and frustrated, and gain the weight back.

So, how can you get happy and lose the weight?

- Work on your happiness first. Madelyn Fernstromis a professor of psychiatry at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. And she says when people who want to lose weight say they're happy with their lives but want to lower their blood pressure, that's the right attitude......But if they want to lose weight to be happier, she recommends therapy.

- And focus on the things you can do -- instead of your appearance. Like, you can do 6 pull-ups at the gym......Or you have more energy to get through the day. Studies show that you're more likely to get a happiness boost from your accomplishments than from the way you look.

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