Ladies, weight issues are often a trauma response
The correlation between weight loss and trauma/trauma responses isn’t well-known. But we are going to talk about it. I am certified in level one trauma and response techniques that can be used by teachers/counselors etc. and I want to share a little bit of what I know with you.
Since I was 18, it has felt like my body just gained and gained weight no matter what I did. At 28 I lost about 75lbs and was killing myself. I hit a depressive episode and over the next 4-5 years I gained all of it back and more. 100lbs total.
I was told by countless coaches and doctors I just needed discipline. But what they didn’t include or maybe even know is that gaining weight can be a trauma response. A huge percentage of adults who report having had ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are overweight to morbidly obese.
When you go through those phases of eating and eating and gaining weight, you’re essentially dissociating. Your brain and body make excuses because you’re getting those good feels and to help you survive, your body and brain know you need those. And then 6 months-a year later you beat yourself up for not having the willpower to have kept the weight off.
I truly do not believe that weight management issues are a discipline problem (most of the time), but a mental health problem or a physical problem, like hormonal issues.
A lot of people with obesity have a deficiency with leptin, which is the hormone that signals when you’re full. And there’s not really anything to be done about this (that I know of!!).
I have lost 170 lbs in two years, but I didn’t do it alone. Here are my steps.
1.)Trauma therapy
2.) medical intervention (weight loss medicine)
3.) learning to make better food choices, but not restricting myself
4.) moving my body (although this is hard for me now because of my chronic illness)
5.) finding supportive people and even social media accounts
These don’t have to be your steps, but I hope at the very least, this has been a helpful post. So much love your way. #girlpov #lemon8challenge #weightlossstruggles #WomenHealth #traumahealing
Weight management is a complex and deeply personal challenge, especially when rooted in trauma responses. Many people aren’t aware that their struggle with weight could be linked to past adverse experiences, which influence not only mental health but also body physiology. For instance, the hormone leptin plays a crucial role in signaling satiety; leptin deficiencies can impair one’s ability to feel full, contributing to overeating and weight gain. This physiological factor is often overlooked in traditional weight loss approaches that focus solely on diet and exercise. Trauma, particularly Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), has been linked to increased risks of obesity and other health complications. This occurs because trauma can lead to coping mechanisms like emotional eating, where the brain seeks pleasure and comfort from food to mitigate psychological distress. Such responses create a cycle of dissociation and weight gain that is not simply about willpower or discipline. To address these challenges effectively, a holistic approach is necessary. Trauma-informed therapy helps individuals address the root causes, unlocking emotional healing and empowering healthier habits. Medical interventions, including weight loss medications, can support physiological needs, especially where hormonal imbalances are present. Importantly, learning to make mindful food choices without strict restrictions promotes sustainable lifestyle changes rather than short-term fixes. Physical activity, tailored to individual capability, is another pillar. For those with chronic illnesses, gentle movement or adaptive exercises can improve well-being without causing additional stress. Equally vital is building a supportive community. Engaging with understanding peers, sharing experiences on social media, and following empowering content can foster motivation and reduce isolation. Remember, every person’s journey is unique. The steps that worked for someone else might serve as inspiration but don’t need to be followed exactly. Recognizing that weight issues often stem from trauma changes the narrative from self-blame to compassionate self-care. This perspective honors the complex interplay of mental, emotional, and physical health, paving the way for lasting healing and improved quality of life.
Thank you for this knowledge. Weight gain is absolutely a trauma response!