Psychological well-being and weight

How you feel can influence your eating habits, motivation, and the changes you make over time.

The emotional side of weight

Many people living with obesity experience feelings of frustration, guilt, or low self-esteem. This can be due to past experiences, struggles with weight loss, or facing weight stigma in daily life.

Weight stigma (being judged or treated differently because of your weight) can happen anywhere, even in healthcare settings. It can affect confidence, lead to stress, and make it harder to seek support. Remember: your weight does not define your worth, and you deserve respectful care.

How emotions affect eating

Food is not just fuel. It can also be a source of comfort, celebration, or stress relief. Emotional eating can be triggered by:

• Stress or anxiety
• Boredom
• Loneliness
• Habit or routine

If you find yourself eating for reasons other than hunger, it can help to pause and check in with how you are feeling.

• Strategies to support your wellbeing
• Identify triggers: Notice patterns between your mood and eating habits
• Find alternatives: Try going for a walk, calling a friend, or practising deep breathing when you feel the urge to eat out of emotion
• Set realistic goals: Break big goals into smaller steps so you can see progress and avoid feeling overwhelmed
• Celebrate non-scale victories: Improvements in energy, mood, or fitness all count

Seeking support

Managing your weight can be more challenging if you try to do it alone. Talking to your healthcare team, joining a support group, or working with a counsellor can give you new tools and encouragement.

If you have ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness, speak to your healthcare professional. They will be able to offer ways to help.