Daily Post--3/18/08

What do you think was the biggest factor in making/keeping you obese? Is this still a factor? If so, to what extent and how do you deal with it; if not, what changed?

Good question! I believe that genetics played a part in my obesity - and of course, that doesn't change. This is why maintainance will always be a challenge! I think that part of it, too, is that because I was obese for as long as I can remember, there was no hope that I'd ever be "normal". I didn't even know what "normal" meant. Now that I've reached that magical status, I will never let it go again!!

I am a big emotional eater...and while I believe I was pre-disposed to obesity thru genetics I think I furthered that genetic cause by the choices I made in life...always feeling not good enough and marrying an abusive man and taking years of physical pain...from there I met another man - wonderful - my current hubby but his family did some lousy things to us resulting in our wedding being ruined..emotional roller coasters such as these were always a great excuse to stuff my face and push my feelings down, down, down....I am older and wiser now...I hope I can live my life for me now and say "screw you" if you don't like me don't hang with me.

I got your back buddy! Lemme at 'em! LOL

Well, I think a lot played a role in it. When we were younger, Dad always made you eat everything on your plate whether you were still hungry or not...you took it now you eat it. I made sure as a Mother that I never do that to my kids. When you're full you're full. Also I ate to sooth my feelings...happy, sad, mad... I ate. Now I find better outlets for those feelings. Working out, going for walks, taking the puppy for a walk, doing things with my kids and my family. I enjoy life too much now to let myself slip back into old ways. Michele

There are the usual reasons...genetics, environment, lack of self control, etc. But a big part has been the fact that I used my weight as a protective barrier. It protected me from advances from men. I'd been abused very badly in the past. I've been working with my pastor and a wonderful Christian counselor and with the help of God have healed most if not all of my past hurts-to the point where I am ready to start dating again.

I have thought about this many times and I have to say, I really don't know why I have had such a hard time with weight control. I don't know what it was in my childhood that started it and why it continues. I just know that I am predisposed to a heavier weight than what is healthy for me. I am not happy about it and will still continue to try to figure it all out because I am determined to win this battle and reach my goal and STAY there!! Jolene

I think genetics played a part in my weight problems. Other things would include the fact that, growing up, we didn't know very much about nutrition compared to today, and we had to save all those starving children in Africa by cleaning our plates. Also, as a female growing up in the 60s, sports were just not there for us (at least not in my neck of the woods). We learned to sew and cook and clean. Our brothers played little league and football, but we didn't do that. I never saw a gym class in school until 7th grade and, by then, I was already very overweight and too embarassed to be seen in my "gym suit." Then as a teenager, I started to diet. I'd lose the weight for a while and only to gain it back plus more. Enter yo-yo dieting. During my teen years, the fast food chains starteed to spring up everywhere too. Then there are life's daily stresses and lack of time to plan meals. I think all of those things contributed to my weight problem.

I don't think genetics had one thing to do with my weight. It was all a matter of how I was treated as a child and lack of any real emotional comfort other than food. This followed me until this day. Only years of therapy have helped but I can still fall back on food whenever I feel small, little, afraid. Thank God I can't eat much and thank God for my therapist. Carla

After reading the responses so far, for many it seems like I'm reading about myself. Genetics along with environment played a big part in my wieght battles over my lifetime. I found some photos of when I was very young. I have an older sister, but looking at those photos, you would think that I was the older of both of us. Still fighting head games/issues of relating to food to ease stresses / emotional situations. It has gotten easier with not being able to eat as much - and I am more readily able to recognize and try to stop myself when medicating with food. It's a struggle, but I am starting to be able to stop myself from doing it.