Obesity has become a big problem in the UK, estimated to affect around one in every four adults and around one in every five children aged ten to 11 in the UK. But to what extent does overeating impact our emotional wellbeing and happiness?
Whether you’re a secret eater or just an overeater, many of us struggle with weight issues. There are many reasons why there has been an increase in obesity, one of which is linked to self-perception. For many Brits this can become a vicious cycle.
Self-esteem is usually defined by the way we view ourselves and particularly how we appreciate our bodies. New research by Cambridge Weight Plan shows that almost half (47 per cent) of people who have tried to lose weight did so in order to feel more happy and confident. Especially as six in ten Brits who have successfully lost weight saying it made them feel happier in their own skin, a fifth said it made them more confident in work and 21 per cent said it made them more confident when meeting new people.
It’s not only important to look after ourselves physically but also to take care of our emotional state in order to take the steps in life. But what makes people take the step to take charge of their weight? The research revealed that for a fifth of Brits having a key motivating factor was important, like a wedding or birthday to aim for.
Luckily, it’s never too late to make changes and take steps to achieve a healthy weight, but what are the best ways to go about it in order to ensure we take care of our emotional wellbeing too? Psychologist Corinne Sweet offers her top tips in this video: