Like many Americans, you may be looking to focus your weight loss efforts for 2024.
And while you're probably meal planning and exercising more, this is a concept you may not have thought of incorporating: spending time in quiet.
“Weight loss is a very personal journey, and not every family supports this decision,” Michelle Saari, a registered dietitian with the Ontario-based EHealth Project, told FOX News Digital.
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“If you share your weight loss goals, you may be told, 'You don't need to lose weight, you'll look fine.' Although well-intentioned, these comments can undermine your personal choices,” she says. said.
She stressed that she doesn't owe anyone an explanation for her decision to lose weight.
Weight loss and nutrition experts similarly say that sometimes it's better to keep your weight loss journey private. (St. Petersburg)
George Yang, founder of the Philadelphia-based Yanre Fitness and Oxygen Arc brands, agrees, saying that keeping your weight loss goals a secret can reduce external pressure. said it was effective.
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“A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology states that social surveillance can go a long way in increasing stress, which can lead to comfort eating,” he said.
He pointed out from years of experience that people who keep their efforts private feel less stress, don't have to be in the public eye, and are more focused on their goals.
One nutritionist pointed out that keeping your nutrition journey private can lead to a “healthier relationship with food.” (St. Petersburg)
When your loved ones find out you're trying to lose weight, they may criticize what you're eating and become food police, Saari says.
Experts agree that this kind of behavior is not only rude, but can even send you into a spiral of emotional eating.
Additionally, even if people aren't actively making derisive comments or sharing unwelcome thoughts, social circles can unintentionally hinder weight loss efforts, Yang said. Ta.
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“Psychological research shows that social dynamics can influence eating habits,” Yang said.
He said he has seen examples of people who avoid the spotlight managing to avoid unhealthy eating patterns caused by their peers.
As you continue your health journey, it can be difficult to hear your family comment on your body changes. (St. Petersburg)
Another downside to sharing your weight loss goals publicly, Saari says, is that family members may feel entitled to comment on your body changes.
“Research shows that such statements can lead to eating disorders,” Saari warned.
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“By keeping your weight loss journey private, you're less influenced by outside judgment and more likely to develop a healthier relationship with food and your body,” she says.
In contrast, keeping your goal of losing weight to yourself can actually help.
It is important to find some form of accountability within yourself. This can be achieved by setting clear and measurable goals. (St. Petersburg)
“Keeping your weight loss goals private can increase your internal motivation,” he says.
So-called intrinsic motivation contributes to the sustainability of long-term goal achievement, especially in personally demanding ones such as weight loss.
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To stay accountable without sharing your progress, Yang recommends setting clear, measurable goals and tracking your progress regularly.
“For example, setting a goal to walk 10,000 steps a day and tracking it on a fitness app can be a private yet effective accountability tool,” he said.
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Saari said privacy has its benefits, but accountability is also important.
One activity that does not require the presence of another person is walking. (St. Petersburg)
Instead of revealing your goals to everyone in your circle to feel responsible, consider sharing them with others on a similar path.
“This could be a friend who is trying to eat healthier,” Saari suggested.
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“Such support can provide motivation, accountability and a space to share challenges,” she added.
“Start by setting clear boundaries. Let them know what support you think would be helpful and understand their needs.”
This may be the year you focus on your personal health, but sometimes that means keeping your journey to yourself. (St. Petersburg)
The bottom line: “A weight loss plan is about making informed, personal food choices, not following someone else's standards,” Saari says.
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