I'm
sure that many of us who have struggled to lose weight think that is
a supremely stupid question, but let's think about that for a moment.
Most
human behavior is a quest to satisfy some inner – and usually
unrealized – desire. In other words, we wouldn't do it if we
weren't, consciously or unconsciously, getting something out of it.
Consider
people who go from one abusive relationship to another. Why would
they do this? Perhaps because it satisfies some inner need to be
punished for a real or imagined sin. How often do you hear one of
them say, “It was my fault. I deserved it”. NOBODY deserves it.
(My opinion.)
The
same theory often applies to those who are overweight. They are well
aware that they are harming their bodies – and quite possibly
shortening their lives – by carrying around those excess pounds,
but they seem unable to correct the situation. Maybe they've found a
reason. Is it genetic? A glandular problem? Lack of support from
family members? Or is it something else?
What
are they getting out of being overweight? Well, for one thing, it
gives them an excuse for failing, for being depressed and then indulging
that old pleasure center in the brain that is demanding a couple of
Snicker's Bars. People don't expect as much from you when you're
fat, so it takes some of the pressure off. You don't have to think
as much about what you're eating. You just eat what you want, and
usually what you want is something quick and easy and plentiful –
like fast food and bags of snacks.
Being
slender and maintaining a healthy weight is a lot more work than just
eating mindlessly. The payoff is a healthy, longer life that is
living – not just existing. The payoff is being there for your
loved ones and feeling great every day. The payoff is being grateful
for the wonderful body you have been given and loving life.
Pretty
good payoff, huh?
