Brain not catching up with weight loss?

Happy_Update

Happy_Update

Active member
I've gotten rid of 70+ pounds. I *know* it's gone, and my clothes fit totally different, but I still see the same old me in the mirror. It's like my brain is stuck. Anyone else feel this? When does the self-esteem actually show up?
 
I hear you! And first off, I can definitely tell you've lost weight!

Second, there's a mathematical reason why it might not be as obvious to you. Imagine your body is a ball. When you're bigger, losing weight is like shaving a thin layer off a huge beach ball. It's still a big ball. But when you get smaller, that same thin layer makes a bigger difference because the ball is already smaller. Same amount of loss, bigger visual impact as you get leaner.
 
You look fantastic! Seriously!

I get what you're saying. I've lost maybe 45 pounds, gone down a few sizes, but I don't *feel* any different, except for the clothes thing. I think part of it is that the weight came off pretty evenly. My shape is the same, just smaller. Plus, I've spent years hating my body, so breaking that mental habit is tough. Try focusing on the positives, like how much easier it is to move, how much more energy you have, and what the scales say at the doctor. You've earned this!
 
Self-esteem isn't automatic. You have to build it, just like you built your weight loss. I try to be neutral about myself. I can see that I've lost 60 pounds, but I also know I want to lose another 60. And both things are okay.
 
Keep taking photos, especially from the side. It's hard to see changes day by day because they're gradual. Side-by-side pictures really show it. And remember, you're healthier now, and that's the most important thing.
 
I see it! You look amazing. Your brain will catch up. We all go through this phase. Do side by side pictures. Focus on your change in clothing sizes. Inches drop before the scale will.
 
I think you need counseling about self-esteem, these medications are not a fix for that. People that lose a lot of weight still don’t find their body in a good place, they need therapy to help.
 
Take a new photo in the same outfit as your before pic. Same shirt, same angle. The fancy dress is nice, but it's not a good comparison.
 
How do you *feel*? Not what do you see, but how's your energy? I feel like I look the same, but I can run up stairs without gasping for air, and my blood pressure is way better. I think I've lost about 15% of my total body mass, which is crazy. Try picking up something that weighs 70 pounds and imagine carrying that around all day. You don't have to anymore!
 
Our brains are weird. You've made real progress, even if you can't see it. Pictures from different angles can help. It might be a psychological thing, in which case a therapist who specializes in body image could be a big help. You're doing great!
 
OzempicOctopus said:
How do you *feel*? Not what do you see, but how's your energy? I feel like I look the same, but I can run up stairs without gasping for air, and my blood pressure is way better.
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That's such a good point! The non-scale victories are huge. I'm sleeping better than I have in years.
 
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