Don't Lose Weight if These Apply to You

By Alison

"I really need to lose weight!" you think. But do you really need to? There are times when losing weight may be unnecessary, or even unsafe. Many women convince themselves that they're overweight when they're not, or go on a diet at a time when it's really not appropriate. So if you fall into any of these categories, think again about wanting to lose weight …

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1

You're Pregnant or Have Recently Given Birth

Although you don't want to gain too much weight when you're pregnant, it's definitely not a time to diet. Aim to eat a healthy diet that will give you enough calories to nurture your growing baby. And when you give birth, don't rush to lose your baby weight, especially if you're breastfeeding. It took time to gain the weight, so you should lose it slowly as well.

2

You've Been Ill

You may lose weight without trying if you've been ill. But it's not a good time to try to lose weight, as you need all your energy to get back to good health. Going on a diet will only suck out your energy and make you feel weak. Save the diets for later, and concentrate on building up your strength.

3

You Want to Fit into a Special Outfit or Wedding Dress

How many brides-to-be pick a dress that's too small, hoping to slim down in time for the wedding? Instead of buying a dress and hoping to slim into it, buy a dress that fits and flatters you. There's no sense in putting extra pressure on yourself and panicking if you don't lose the weight quickly enough.

4

Your Partner is Pushing You

Are you trying to lose weight because your partner tells you that you need to slim down? If they're encouraging you to lose weight because you need to for the sake of your health, that's understandable. But if they're telling you you're fat and ugly, then they're bullying you. You should lose weight if it's better for your health, not because someone else is criticising you.

5

You're Trying to Emulate Someone else

Do you want to lose weight so that you can look more like your friend/sister/a celebrity? This is poor motivation for losing weight, because it sets up unrealistic aspirations. You are not someone else, you are yourself, and there's nothing wrong with that. Learn to be happy in yourself, and appreciate your own looks.

Famous Quotes

Men in general judge more from appearances than from reality. All men have eyes, but few have the gift of penetration.

Niccolò Machiavelli
6

You Want to Achieve a Model Figure

Stop right there. Models are generally not a good role model. They may not eat healthily and also promote an unrealistic idea of what women should be like. We're not all meant to be that slender. Be yourself, instead of trying to copy someone else's look; you can't look exactly like someone else, so you'll only be making yourself unhappy when you can't achieve the look you want.

7

You Think You'll Be Happier

Finally, if you want to lose weight because you think you'll be a happier person, you're probably wrong. There are plenty of people who found that being slimmer isn't everything they thought it would be. Happiness comes from being content within yourself, not from achieving your 'ideal' weight.

If you do lose weight, it should be for the sake of your health and done with a sensible approach. Take it slowly, and aim for a healthy weight. What do you think are 'good' reasons to lose weight?

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

I think happiness comes from living a healthy life, and sometimes losing weight is a result of that. I lost 25 lbs because I started running every night then other things like diet started to change. As a result I'm more happy!:)

#7 is bullshit...

Me too @lalaland

@thelma62913 how did you do that? That's quite a big jump in numbers, congrats!

I've lost 60 lbs from eating 1700-2000 calories a day. I exercise like mad though, as my job is very active!

Uhmm I can disagree with the last one. I think all women should think they're beautiful no matter how they look because its truthfully the heart that matters, BUT its never bad to want to lose weight because you think it can makw you happier it should because you'll be healthy and have a healthy body as well...not get model skinny of course but be at a proper weight healthy enough for you...thats whats important....im 5'6" & about 160 yes I have jelly rolls and 'lonjas' but im a girl and sometimes imma think I look good as heck and other days imma feel like a damn pregnant elephant!!! But I do consider myself for the most part healthy and im happy about that

This is a good article. There are so many things saying losing weight is good but no one stops to say maybe you don't need to.

This is an excellent article !!

@Thelma I agree with you! I lost 7kgs and I was much happier because you just feel healthier and so full of energy

If your partner thinks you should lose weight, you should absolutely listen to them - lose 80kg instantly by dropping their sorry ass and go get some coffee 👌

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