Struggling to see your weight loss transformation? I interviewed a psychiatrist about body dysmorphia. It's a mental health issue that's more complex than most of us realize.
I am 56 years old now. I lost a significant amount of weight when I was 20yo. I was also undiagnosed neurodivergent (autism and ADHD) so my family’s nickname for me was Fairy Elephant. 36 years later, having had two admissions to an eating disorders unit, I still feel that I am 13 years old, short, fat and chronically clumsy. Short and clumsy I can’t do much about, but, despite being a UK size 8-10, I think I will always believe I am fat. Thank you for addressing this.
Glad you are believing! Yea, that boosting happiness can work better than many "obvious" weight loss methods is surprising to so many, and some thought it is fictional or fanciful thinking, but it is proven by much science, cited just a few in my article!
Reading your interview with Dr. Hall made me sigh that losing weight is hard enough, people even have to struggle with body image issues after weight loss! As Dr. Hall advised, "be kind to yourself". I also emphasized in my other weight-related post the importance of mental well-being in this community. https://substack.com/profile/184753934-jane-xu-phd-mph-ms/note/c-119381365
Mental or emotional well-being is really a major part of the journey! Perhaps the positive/"happy" approach could do more to help, before, during, and after weight loss....
Thank you for shedding light on this.
I am 56 years old now. I lost a significant amount of weight when I was 20yo. I was also undiagnosed neurodivergent (autism and ADHD) so my family’s nickname for me was Fairy Elephant. 36 years later, having had two admissions to an eating disorders unit, I still feel that I am 13 years old, short, fat and chronically clumsy. Short and clumsy I can’t do much about, but, despite being a UK size 8-10, I think I will always believe I am fat. Thank you for addressing this.
Thank you for sharing, Suze. Our brains are so complex, especially when we're young.
Yes, sometimes the non-obvious ways work better than the obvious ones, many through the brain, or emotions. For example:
A 2025 study found joyful movement (like walking or dancing) boosts weight loss 30% more than grueling workouts.
I cited more of such “non-obvious ways”, through boosting happiness, in this post.
https://drjaneforhappiness.substack.com/p/the-happy-ways-of-weight-loss?r=31zx1q&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
I’m surprised yet totally believe this!
Glad you are believing! Yea, that boosting happiness can work better than many "obvious" weight loss methods is surprising to so many, and some thought it is fictional or fanciful thinking, but it is proven by much science, cited just a few in my article!
Reading your interview with Dr. Hall made me sigh that losing weight is hard enough, people even have to struggle with body image issues after weight loss! As Dr. Hall advised, "be kind to yourself". I also emphasized in my other weight-related post the importance of mental well-being in this community. https://substack.com/profile/184753934-jane-xu-phd-mph-ms/note/c-119381365
Mental or emotional well-being is really a major part of the journey! Perhaps the positive/"happy" approach could do more to help, before, during, and after weight loss....