When I decided on the title for this article, I had no idea that the words mental obesity are already used by some people to describe the intellectual laziness and disinterest that often result when children's minds become addicted to junk information such as video games, chat rooms, and text messages. Referring to an entirely different circumstance I use the term mental obesity; A common phenomena that I have experienced first hand in myself.
Many people who have previously been overweight or obese continue seeing themselves as such in their mind. Their weight loss could be 15, 30, 40 pounds and maybe more. It doesn't matter. A once overweight or obese woman who wears a size six dress is often, in her mind, still obese. This is the phenomenon that I call mental obesity.
Once it has taken root, it is very difficult to shed this belief. It is also something the mentally obese person is often ashamed to admit, embarrassed to say aloud. On one level, the now slim person is perfectly aware that she or he is no longer obese. Scales and clothing sizes will certify this evidence. Higher energy levels and new physical prowess confirm it every day. Yet on a completely other, irrational, level the mentally obese person knows he or she is still obese, still overweight.
If you are mentally obese you understand that you have physically lost the weight, however you still feel as though you're obese. You also quickly learn not to voice this feeling, this knowledge. More than likely when the people around you are overweight and you aren't. You're aware that you're being ridiculous. You know you will be accused of seeking out compliments. You know that this is a reasonable accusation; one that you would make if the roles were reversed. Thus you must remain silent. But in your mind, its still there your obesity.
Nowhere to turn, mentally obese persons have. Despite buying new clothes, they tend to continue to dress as they did before losing the weight. In the closet is where the skimpy new clothes stay. Mentally obese people have trouble getting up to dance in a crowded room. A side view is still preferable for photographs. They are still terrified of looking at photos or home videos of themselves.
The most difficult aspect of being mentally obese may be the extreme loneliness that accompanies it. You can be just as lonely with mental obesity when you used to gasp for air up one flight of stairs as someone else passes you. If you believe yourself to be obese you will probably be pulling your shirt down to cover your behind as you walk up a staircase.
It takes time to adapt to a large weight loss, and it is not easy to completely change your way of living. However, don't try to live with your secret mental obesity, if you feel that you just can't see yourself as a non obese person and you know you are no longer overweight. Find the right person to talk to about your problem, perhaps your family doctor if you have one.