When individuals express a desire to lose weight, they’re often seeking to feel better about their appearance or to improve their overall health. However, society often encourages us to disregard our feelings in pursuit of this goal. We’re told to ignore sensations like hunger, shame, guilt, and even feelings of enjoyment and pleasure, under the assumption that achieving a certain appearance will automatically lead to better health.

Contrary to popular belief, this approach doesn’t align with how our bodies function. Ignoring our feelings creates a disconnect between our minds and bodies, ultimately harming our body image. Since body image is closely tied to mental health, neglecting our emotional well-being can have a negative impact on our physical health as well.

Ultimately, feeling good about how we look is rooted in our emotions and perceptions. It’s essential to acknowledge and address these feelings rather than suppressing them in pursuit of an arbitrary ideal dictated by the diet and fitness industries.