If you think that losing belly fat is as simple as working out and eating vegetables, growing research suggests that you’re missing out on a key part of the weight loss puzzle. Our emotional state is tied to nearly every facet of losing and maintaining overall weight and belly fat, from our habits to our hormones.
The point here isn’t to moralize weight gain: a heavier number on the scale doesn’t indicate emotional incompetence, and a slim body doesn’t equate to emotional wellness. But preparing yourself for weight loss with self-awareness and the right emotional tools could be the difference between years of destructive yo-yo dieting and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, long term.
In fact, here’s some particularly good news: studies show that people enrolled in weight loss programs that promote strategies to address emotional triggers for weight gain yield impressive results. Considering that over 57 percent of overweight adults report emotional eating as a main concern—and over 33 percent of the American population is overweight—using this reflective approach could change the landscape. When you're ready to ditch those extra pounds around your midsection for good, discover these 25 ways that emotions can affect belly fat and gain some insight into how your feelings are causing you to hang onto that fat. And for more ways to slim down, add these 25 Foods That Help You Lose Belly Fat to your meal plan!