Zumba Exercise Class (Photo : Reuters/Rick Wilking)
A new healthcare network survey shows that the real key to weight loss is not diet or exercise, but is instead a person's emotional state. The questionnaire discovered that 90 percent of the participants ignored the psychological link between food and exercise.
The survey was commissioned by Orlando Health. A total of 60 percent claimed that diet and exercise were the biggest barriers preventing them from weight loss.
One theory is that the success of a diet or fitness program is based on the price tag. However, many people who can afford personal fitness trainers or even personal chefs who deliver healthy meals can have a tough time losing weight and burning fat. That is due to emotional eating, according to Health.
Experts recommend that people first deal with their feelings first, before addressing a diet and exercise plan. These can include a wide range of emotions.
Happiness
Although many people find it easier to stay on track when they are in a good mood, others put on pounds due to "celebratory eating." That is because food is often culturally linked to special events such as the holiday season and family gatherings. However, there are non-food ways to be joyful, including a nature walk or bike ride.
Sadness
Various edible items can be a pick-me-up serving as comfort food during difficult times in life, including chocolate candy, ice cream, and mac and cheese. Nevertheless, such foods do not truly deal with the causes of sadness.
Experts recommend better ways to deal with unhappiness. They include contacting a friend, spending time with a pet, or even watching a sad movie.
Anger
Chewy or crunchy foods are often a way to deal with aggression by "anger eating." Experts recommend doing tasks that keep the brain and hands preoccupied, such as cleaning, organizing, or even video games.
A recent study suggests that doctors might soon be able to design a specific weight loss program for each person. Each plan would be created after taking a saliva sample for gene sequencing, or sensors collecting information about factors such as environment, diet, and activity, according to Journal Sentinel.
