A guest blog by Glenn Mackintosh.
One of the most common questions I get asked in a session or workshop is some version of “If I am so upset by my looks, why aren’t I motivated enough to change?”
While it intuitively makes sense that dissatisfaction would make people want to change, what gets people in my door is not necessarily what gets them out the other side successfully.
Looking at research evidence, we see clearly that body image issues are barriers to effective weight management. Specifically, negative body image is associated with:
- A higher bodyweight
- Unhelpful and harmful dieting practices
- Overeating
- Avoiding exercise
- Less weight loss on a weight loss program
- Weight regain following weight loss
- Weight yo-yoing over time
So if any of the above challenges have applied to your clients or members in the past it’s worth asking the question – is it possible their body worries have harmed their eating, physical activity, and weight management more than they helped?
In my education and psychology sessions we always make time to talk about what I call Body Love. While this may sound corny, a bit “airy fairy”, or downright unachievable, Body Love is key to a healthy relationship with food, movement, and your client’s weight. While I could talk about each of the components for hours (and often do!), Body Love is a practical model that has three main aspects:
- Acceptance
- Trust and
- Care
Let’s take a second to daydream…
For a moment imagine what would happen if your clients treated their own body with acceptance, trust, and care (their mind may be telling them this is impossible, but ask your clients to suspend the judgments for a second and go with it)…
Ask your clients:
- How would your thoughts change and how would you feel?
- Would you notice any difference in your eating and physical activity habits?
- What would happen to your relationships with others and outlook on life in general?
If they found they would be better off taking a loving approach to their body, the next time they think about losing weight in order to accept themselves, they may question whether they want to try starting the other way around…
Between now and my online masterclass on 24 September experiment with your clients the idea of Body Love by treating their body with acceptance, trust, or care once a day. Tell them to start small and just have a play with the idea in a way that is right for them and I look forward to hearing how it went when I see you online!
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Glenn Mackintosh is presenting the FILEX Online Masterclass Weight Loss is So Last Century: Zoom Out & Drill Down to Supercharge Client Success on Thursday 24 September. To register head to the Masterclass tab in the Members Portal or if you can’t attend the date catch up with the masterclass recording available after the event! Not a FILEX Premium Member? Learn more about the great inclusions at members.filex.com.au.
