A lot of factors affect the relationships that we have with people and with ourselves. Life is one integrated blanket, where the threads weave together to create some type of beautiful pattern. The journeys that we take, such as weight loss, are one of these threads that help to shape our lives. As a result, weight loss does have direct and indirect impacts on relationships all around us. This could be concerning relationships with our friends and family, with our significant others, or even with ourselves.
The connection between weight loss and relationships
Take a romantic relationship, for instance. Some evidence suggests that being in a romantic type of relationship can help a person to lose weight. This could be due to factors such as the presence of a support system that can propel us to achieve our goals. Moreover, when we feel secure and loved we do develop a healthier relationship with ourselves, and therefore take steps to improve our lives.
The link between weight loss and relationships is crucial, as they can both affect each other in various ways. Some of the ways in which weight loss affects our relationships include:
1. Boosts our self-love
A lot of people that undertake a weight loss journey do it to feel better or improve their appearance. It helps them to establish a better relationship with themselves, as they can appreciate who they are and what they look like. We advocate for self-love and appreciation regardless of what a person weighs. However, we also recognize that the only way to improve your self-esteem is to be comfortable in your skin. As such, if losing weight is the way for you to achieve this, then you should go for it.
2. Helps to shift your mindset
Losing weight is a milestone, a journey that many start but are not able to stick to. As such, achieving your ideal weight is a goal that should be celebrated as it takes a lot of discipline and commitment. When we set such a target and can achieve it, a shift occurs in our mind as our brain can recognize that we can do whatever we set our minds to. Weight loss will therefore help to improve the relationship with yourself, as you will see things in a different light.
You will have a newfound confidence and will be able to challenge yourself to go after things that you have been wanting to do but have probably been afraid of doing. You will find that your life will be richer with experiences, and your overall outlook will be brighter.
3. Can increase intimacy
Due to the newfound confidence that you get from losing weight, it becomes much easier for you to communicate your needs. This can help your partner to understand you better, and to address whatever concerns that you may have. With the communication lines open it will be easier for both of you to have a healthier, happier relationship. Moreover, in support of your new goals, your partner may want to participate in activities that can help keep your weight in check and even kick start their weight loss journey too.
This could mean joining a gym together, going out for runs, walks, or dance classes which could be fun. Moreover, in a bid to eat healthily you could stay in and cook meals together, which greatly helps to improve intimacy.
4. Improves our interactions with others
Weight loss helps us to achieve levels of confidence that we never had before. As outlined above, this confidence boost can enable you to be a little more outgoing and hang out at social gatherings. With low self-esteem issues, it can be difficult to find the courage to put ourselves out there, be it in the dating scene or otherwise. With this confidence therefore you will find that you are thriving in your social relationships, which will be good for your mental and overall well-being. Expanding your social circle will also help you meet people with different mindsets, which will help broaden your perspective.
5. Inspires others
The weight loss journey requires commitment and consistency to achieve results. There are always plenty of hurdles along the way, and there are days when one feels like giving up. A person who has overcome all of these and has managed to be victorious is often very inspiring to others. With your story, you can also inspire your friends and family around you to change their lives for the better. Moreover, you can act in capacities such as coach or mentor, and guide people on how they can achieve their goals too.
Also read: What Lifestyle Changes Should You Make to Promote Mental Health?
