Body and Mind Matters: Sexual Trauma As An Obstacle to Weight Loss
September 30, 2024In a recent column, I examined how trauma impacts health. In that column, I defined “trauma” as one’s response to a disconcerting experience that overwhelms a person. I provided a brief overview of the various types of trauma humans may experience during their lifetimes and discussed the impact on the body’s stress response system. Today, I would like to focus specifically on sexual trauma as an obstacle to weight loss with the hope of raising awareness of the connection.
Over my years working as a Life and Wellness Coach, Psychotherapist, and Fitness Trainer, I have had the privilege of working with many survivors of sexual abuse as they learned to heal and even flourish following trauma. Although I was well aware of the lasting effects of trauma in general, I can still recall being initially struck by the sheer number of clients (of all ages) who presented with a history of sexual abuse. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), one American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds; every nine minutes, that victim is a child.
One in six women and one in thirty-three men have been victims of attempted or completed rape.
Trauma Impacts Each Individual Differently
Trauma, in general, impacts each individual differently and in any number of ways, depending on many factors, including upbringing, environment, health status, age, access to health care, and a whole host of other variables. Very often, an event or series of events can be so disorienting that an individual suppresses memories of the event(s). In cases where the sexual abuse is ongoing, the perpetrator may be gaslighting the victim, causing confusion and self-doubt. Both scenarios can be especially challenging to address because the individual is not consciously aware of what may be causing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and even weight gain.
When I work with clients who struggle with emotional eating, I liken their behavior to “stuffing down” feelings. A sexual trauma survivor may or may not be consciously aware of the emotions they are trying to suppress. Many people fear experiencing their emotions out of concern that the emotions will overwhelm them and never end. Although it can be very challenging, gradually processing your emotions can be very therapeutic, and there are tools you can learn to manage your feelings.
Survivors Of Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse may consciously choose to gain weight as a form of self-protection. They reason that weight gain will make them less physically attractive and, therefore, less likely to invite abuse again. Weight loss, and the attention it may draw, can feel too vulnerable. Survivors may find themselves in a vicious cycle of weight loss, sabotage, and weight regain. It can be very helpful to recognize this pattern and the possible reasons behind it. Addressing the underlying fears and other emotions with a qualified professional can help to break this frustrating cycle.
Working through the thoughts and feelings associated with the aftermath of sexual abuse can seem impossibly complicated. Each individual will have their own reactions, which do not necessarily seem to “make sense” to anyone else. For instance, some survivors will blame themselves for the abuse. In these cases, weight gain may be used as a form of self-punishment.
Sexual Trauma Overlooked By Medical Professionals
Sexual trauma as an obstacle to weight loss is usually overlooked by medical professionals and laypeople alike. However, recognizing the mind-body connection between the two may hold the key to weight loss success for many individuals. Learning to identify how sexual trauma symptoms impact one’s weight loss efforts is the first step toward breaking the habits that result in self-sabotage. Once the individual has become aware of this impact, they can empower themselves to retrain their brain to utilize healthier thought patterns and behaviors. Learning to challenge thoughts and emotions about “safe weight” can help survivors realize that maintaining a healthy, sustainable weight is actually most beneficial.
Although sexual trauma can be an obstacle to weight loss, awareness of this important body and mind matter can help to unlock weight loss success. We cannot change what we are not aware of. With dedicated time and effort, sexual abuse survivors can heal and even emerge from their experiences with increased strength and belief in themselves – a concept called post-traumatic growth. If you are endeavoring to shed some extra weight, sexual trauma survivor or not, please allow yourself time for reflection. Attending to both body and mind pays off in spades!
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 | ABOUT THE AUTHOR Coach Jenna Nocera, MA, MFT, CLSC, CPFT is a Life & Wellness Coach, Psychotherapist, and Personal Fitness Trainer with advanced degrees in Behavioral Science, Psychology, and Marriage and Family Therapy. She works with clients to redesign their lifestyle habits. Subscribe to the Formula For Excellence® newsletter to receive a Free Habit Tracker and occasional health and wellness tips. Read more articles by Coach Jenna! |
