Here is a definition of “Apathy”: lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Does “apathy” play a role in the success vs. failure of controlling weight? The answer is a resounding “yes”. Let’s look at each component of this definition:
Lack of Interest: A person that is overweight/obese must have an interest in losing the weight. Success in weight control requires motivation to give up immediate gratification food/drink items in favor of the delayed gratification of being healthier and happier, with less co-morbidities, more energy, looking younger, etc. A keen level of “interest” is important.
Lack of Enthusiasm: Successful weight control requires lots of planning, focus, shopping for the right foods, journaling and a whole bunch of other activities. If enthusiasm wanes, there is a good chance that all of the necessary activities required for success will abate and the journey is doomed.
Lack of Concern: One of the detrimental parts of human nature is a tendency to avoid mentally confronting realities that are painful to think about. As an example, an obese person stands a much higher chance of dying prematurely from a heart attack or stroke, develop diabetes and the co-morbidities, develop cancer, become very sick from Covid, etc. If concern about these issues is present, this will serve as strong motivation to do what needs to be done. However, if there is a lack of concern, there is much less motivation to give up the immediate gratification of the foods/drinks that create the weight situation.
So, as we can see from the above discussion, “Apathy” is NOT a positive force for successful weight control. If you start feeling apathetic in your quest to lose the weight, please come in for a FREE body scan and talk to us. I bet the SP Team and I can help you shed these feelings. We need to help you reestablish your interest, enthusiasm and concern.
