Does losing weight really boost self-esteem?

[ginnjuice]

I think even though a person can lose their weight they still view themselves as being a big person. Its the whole mind thing. The body looks different but the mind doesnt always feel the difference.

[debishb (deleted)]

I agree ^^^ It really does come down to mind over matter. No matter my size I've always been a very confident individual. Recently being diagnosed with diabetes, I made a lifestyle change. I eat healthier and exercise far more. Not necessarily done to improve my self image but more so to be healthy and live a long happy life. I've lost 57 pounds so far and am continuing the new healthier lifestyle. I do feel better and feeling better makes me feel more confident. Again I don't think it can be attributed to losing weight as much as it is to just making the change for my health that has improved my self esteem.

[southernfinery]

`I wasn't really aware of a disorder that pertains to how someone sees theirselves or really how they can't see their true selves at all,till I came on here.I think it is called OBD.It was very enlightening to learn that there are actually some women and men who actually can't see theirselves in the mirror because to them it is like looking in a funhouse mirror.My heart goes out to them on one hand and yet on the other I think it may actually be a blessing for them.I have oftened said that being blind lets some see more then those with sight.Gbu

[debishb (deleted)]

Interesting disorder really. As I work in the mental health field I know a little about this disorder. I don't know if it is a blessing or a curse. I like what I see when I look in the mirror. I think to have it always distorted would be disheartening.

[elstupido2]

Of course it matters. Anyone that disagrees has low self esteme and is to lazy to realize what they are missing. I love my bbws just as much as anyone on this site... but I also love a healthy woman that feels really good about her body. If i can find a thick girl that truely is happy with her curves then I will be happy. Unfortunatly for me most woman that i find atractive are so self-concious about thier body, that they dont like being nude in front of me.

[theimfamouspuf (deleted)]

`I have to agree with this post topic 100%. I feel just because you lose alot weight never guarantees you will feel any better about yourself. I just lost alot of weight myself and when I think about it I didn't really feel any better at all. I think alot of that had to do with the fact that my personality and confidence were still the same as what they had been before. The thought had crossed my mind "why am I being treated not much better or just as bad after losing all that weight?" and the answer I came up with after looking at myself was "you still have the same rotten personality and lack of confidence you did before you lost that weight". Sad to say I realized confidence(at least a lack of it) can make you look uglier than your appearance ever could. And a bad personality with that weight loss just means you can attract people, but you can't keep them around(which to me is no good either).

Just my two cents.
Best of luck people .

[terrybogard23]

great topic and i do agree.the main reason i would lose weight is for health reasons.if it was someway i could stay my current weight and be healthy i would,but realisticly i know that is not the case.LOL life is just much better and easier at a healthy weight,i seriously would do it for myself not to please anyone.and as someone said if you have an inner-conflict with yourself or hate something about yourself losing weight won't change that.only time losing weight may change that is if the problem or problems were weight related.interesting topic

[superindy08 (deleted)]

I believe it depends on the person because, for me, when I lose weight, I am more open to being noticed. I talk more, flirt more, and feel prettier more often than not. I have a fluctuating body, where I have months where I'm smaller, and others where I'm bigger. But I'm happy to say that in my bigger days I don't feel ugly. So yeah, I depends on the person, and their thinking habits.

[simplyfran (deleted)]

I also believe it's the person...
I lost 43 lbs & I'm still on the track... I personally feel the same.
People always rave about how slim I'm getting, I don't see It.

But, I'm sure one get when I hit my UGW, I'll have more "self esteem"

[swmodarlin (deleted)]

I think the esteem is either there or not.. regardless of body size. I've been a big girl since the day I was born... although inately shy, I led a full life in high school with band and softball and other school activities. I never let the nay sayers tell me I couldn't do something because of my size. And even after, I've had the men I've wanted not because of my size, but because of who I am. my personality.

self esteem comes from how we are raised, the energy surrounding us - positive or negative. It comes from the friends we surround ourselves with... we don't need yes men and women... we need friends that tell us like it is, but love us regardless. Self confidence is built - starting from the day we say we want to do something, the days we learn it and fumble through mistakes with it and finally achieve the goal.

Do I want to be healthier to be around for my son and my grandson like my parents and grandparents have been, yep most definately... but this chick does not hang her self esteem on her love handles.. it's all in the mind baby!

[jovana94 (deleted)]

`I droped to 50.8 kg two years ago,by hard work...lol i gainted all back..but i didn't feel beautiful that much...i weared all sorts of clothes and heels..and all that...but as soon as you are done with the weight loss you find something elso you dislike about yourself..like when i was done with that i cried my eye balls of coz of my stretch marks...that i didn't got by being overweight ..it was just puberty and i hated myself..and i thought the world is so unfair....why why why....i can't be seen in a swimsuit 2 years...when i was on the beach i almost fainted...i thought everyone was looking at me....and from that day no beach for me.. |

[teri24ns (deleted)]

`~ In my case, it's not so much my weight that causes my self esteem to be so low. I've been 225 & I've been 320. It doesn't really have an effect on how I see myself daily. I went through ------ abuse, bullying, teasing, pranks & been the blunt of far too many jokes to ever have a truly healthy outlook on myself. I'm just praying for more good days than bad & more acceptance, love, & caring from those who will love me. I do the best I can to live each day with the thought that I am indeed a GOOD PERSON & that I TRULY deserve to BE LOVED. Some days are easier than others, especially if I spend the day out in public. The sly looks, stage whispers of "OMG! How much do you think she eats to stay that big?".... I think they'd be amazed at just how LITTLE I EAT.

[madamcdell (deleted)]

MY MOTTO IS; YOUR --- MY NOT LIKE ME BUT YOU CAN MISS ME UNLESS YOUR BLIND IN THEN YOU WILL HEAR MY ASS... Also, I will tell anyone I'm not short victims and/or volunteer, what list do you to be on! Sexy comes from within, love for ones self comes also from within. Look I'm 260lbs 5'7 Black woman with bleached blond short cut hair, long nail that always look like highlighters(NEONS), I wear very sexy clothes.

Diva

[alikakadri (deleted)]

reviving this topic too..

I think if you had self-esteem issues to begin with, or if too many people made you feel bad about your size, it can. I've known people who became overweight because of self-esteem issues and losing weight did seem to improve their self-view/self-worth.

But then I've known larger people who had plenty of self-esteem and that probably wouldn't affect them.

I think people will view you based on how you view yourself. If you have a problem with the way you look, it shows and people respond to that , for the most part. If you're comfortable with how you look, people won't be as likely to notice or treat you like it even matters. I think stronger personalities tend to make people forget what you look like.

So, I guess, what I'm trying to say is that for some people it would but not for everyone.

[swf32gtn]

Body image doesn't change with weight loss.. no way. However.. if you are just straight up living an unhealthy life, making positive changes to your world (food, the people in it, how you treat yourself and others..etc) will boost your overall wellbeing.. and weight loss could be part of it. But if you are starving yourself or popping pills to be thin but you take up drinking, start abusing drugs or have a constant negative loop of thoughts running through your head.. no amount of weight loss will bring you happiness. Start with the inside.. and the outside will follow or not matter as much as you think it will.

Peace and Love, Erin