Your Perceptions of Weight Gain
“Can I feel myself gaining weight!?”
Many times in my own food/weight battle, I panicked about gaining weight.
Some of those were actual physical weight gain, others were fears in my head. This feeling of gaining weight can send us into a panic, so if you find yourself fretting about whether or not you’re gaining weight, let’s explore this topic from a compassionate and holistic perspective.
Written by Jenn Hand, Holistic Nutritionist, Board Certified Health Coach, NBC-HWC
Understanding Body Signals
Our bodies are incredibly intuitive and communicate with us in various ways.
We can experience sensations such as bloating, tightness in clothing, or changes in energy levels may be indicators of shifts in weight. What’s important is to understand that these sensations are subjective and vary widely among individuals.
There were many times when I swore I was gaining weight but I wasn’t (and “seeing” or “feeling” weight gain was due to a distorted body view or an emotionally charged situation.)
Weight Is a Complex Topic
Small weight fluctuations are a normal part of life.
It can be influenced by factors like hydration levels, menstrual cycles, stress, and dietary patterns. Sudden changes in weight, whether gain or loss, can sometimes be noticeable, but the perception varies greatly among different people.
Is it an Emotional Stressor?
The idea of feeling weight gain can also be intertwined with emotional and psychological factors.
Society’s emphasis on thinness and the stigma surrounding weight can lead to heightened body scrutiny and anxiety about changes in size or shape.
We may also take our emotional stresses out physically–meaning we start to nitpick our bodies or see a distorted view when we are feeling triggered or under stress.
Embracing Your Body
Instead of hyper-focusing on physical sensations of weight gain, see if you can explore body neutrality and self-compassion.
Trusting your body’s innate wisdom, tuning into hunger and fullness cues, and prioritizing overall well-being over external appearance fosters a healthier relationship with food and body.
Tuning in to Your Body More Deeply
This feeling of weight gain can be a great reminder to explore tuning in more deeply to our bodies cues.
Instead of immediately jumping on the next restrictive diet, tune into your feelings. Developing body awareness through mindful practices such as yoga, meditation, or body scanning exercises can strengthen your connection with your body’s signals.
Explore how different foods make you feel energetically and emotionally, rather than fixating on their calorie content–this will help to take a more holistic rather than restrictive approach.
Seeking Support
It’s okay to seek support.
If concerns about weight changes or body image significantly impact your well-being or relationship with food, consider seeking support from a coach or therapist. They can provide personalized guidance and tools to navigate these challenges with compassion and empowerment.
Questions about Weight Gain:
What are the first signs of weight gain?
The first signs may include a shift in how your clothes fit, increased bloating or water retention, and subtle shifts in body composition or appearance.
Can a holistic weight loss approach help if I start to feel like I’m gaining weight?
Be kind to yourself as you explore your journey with weight. An approach that explores movement, balanced meals, stress management, emotional well-being, and body positivity can be beneficial if you start to feel like you’re gaining weight.
Does gaining weight affect your mood or energy levels?
Gaining weight is challenging not just physically but mentally and emotionally. We can have changes in how we see ourselves which affect our mood and energy.
Can stress or emotional factors cause you to feel like you’re gaining weight?
Absolutely. There were many times in my journey that I FELT like I had gained weight but in fact, had not. Feeling stressed emotionally can lead to sensations of weight gain due to changes in hormone levels, water retention, altered eating patterns, and heightened body awareness.
Are there differences in how individuals perceive weight gain?
Yes. Depending on how we view ourselves, people can perceive weight gain that’s not there.
Related Articles
⚪ Holistic Weight Loss: What It Is and How It Works
⚪ How Holistic Weight Loss Helps You Lose Weight
⚪ What Is Holistic Weight Loss?
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Schedule a 20-min CallAbout the Author:
Jenn Hand has been helping women like you become normal eaters since 2015.
She’s worked with thousands of women, helping them to balance their bodies, end bingeing, stop obsessing over food, and start feeling amazing again. As a board-certified health coach and holistic nutritionist, Jenn knows how to support you in making real positive changes that last.
Her articles have been published on Mind Body Green, Tiny Buddha, Thrive Global and other local and global media platforms. She’s the author of How to Be a Normal Eater and the creator of The Normal Eater’s Club program. Listen to Jenn’s advice and tips on the Cake Doesn’t Count Podcast, or read more of her articles for free on the Food Freedom Blog.
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