Let’s Talk Food Guilt: World Obesity Day

Let’s Talk Food Guilt: World Obesity Day

By: Gisela Alvarez, Dietitian at Jackson Memorial Medical Center

March 4 is World Obesity Day, and one of the key factors that contributes to obesity is diet. One of the most common issues for those struggling with obesity is food guilt, which is the feeling of shame after an eating experience, usually related to the food choices made or the amount of food eaten.

Food guilt is not limited to those who struggle with their weight; it’s a sentiment many can empathize with. The difference lies in how much it robs you of your peace and mental space. Here are a few ways to handle food guilt and tackle your negative self-talk surrounding food and eating:

• Find support from a therapist and dietitian who can help you develop healthier habits and thought processes.
• Stop labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” When we tell ourselves we can’t have something “bad,” we are putting that food on a pedestal, leading to greater risk of bingeing on it later.
• Be aware of when you experience these feelings. Reflect on past instances of food guilt to identify common patterns or triggers.
• Try to slow down before meals, take a pause, and check in with yourself. Assess your hunger levels, emotions, and ways you can make the eating experience more enjoyable. This will lead to healthier food choices.

If traditional diets and exercise aren’t providing ample results, another way to treat obesity is bariatric surgery, a tool that, along with lifestyle changes, can lead to a healthier life. After bariatric surgery, patients undergo significant changes in their GI anatomy, which can affect how their bodies digest and absorb nutrients. Therefore, it is essential for patients to follow a post-operative dietary plan to ensure proper healing, minimize complications, and achieve long-term weight loss success. Some of these changes include:

• Meeting your daily protein goals
• Supplementing with vitamins and minerals
• Staying adequately hydrated
• Moving your body consistently in ways you enjoy

If you find yourself struggling with weight gain, food guilt, negative self-talk, or having an unhealthy relationship with food, you might be open to a lifestyle change. This World Obesity Day, we challenge you to reflect and take the necessary steps toward a brighter future. Let’s turn our food guilt into mindfulness and find ways to live healthier lives.

Ready to learn more about weight-loss surgery? Register for one of our free weight-loss seminars, where you will have the opportunity to meet one of our bariatric surgeons, learn about general requirements for bariatric surgery, and more. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about Jackson Health System’s dedicated weight-loss surgery centers. To register for a seminar, visit https://jacksoncanhelp.org/