Being Overweight and How to Cope

WHAT IS OBESITY/BEING OVERWEIGHT

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in meters squared. A BMI of 25.0 or more is overweight, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9.

HOW CAN IT AFFECT MENTAL HEALTH

• Social anxiety disorder

One with obesity may be bullied in the society because of their body figure, leading to them being afraid of socializing with others in fear of being laughed at

• Low self-esteem

Again, their body image may not suit the society’s perception of ‘beauty’ or ‘healthy’, hence those who are overweight may feel outed by the community

• Suicidal ideation

If people who are overweight or obese are repeatedly being bullied by members of the society, they may feel depressed and lost, losing their lives’ purpose. Some may think: why don’t I end my life in order to escape from reality?

TREATMENTS

• Consult doctor/ nutritionist

In some extreme cases, doctors or nutritionists allow patients to undergo fat reduction surgery if they are unable to exercise in their current body shape

• Balanced diet

Consuming more vegetables and fruits

Drinking coffee can also help boost metabolism, improving mental and physical performance

• Do lots of exercise

Burn calories with exercising, when people see the outcome of their slimmed body shape, they gain a sense of achievement

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?

• Talk to a psychiatrist

They can help you realize your self-worth again, giving you words of encouragement

• Practice good sleep hygiene

Sleeping helps boost metabolism which can help burn fat

• Do hobbies in your spare time to reduce stress

For example, drawing, playing musical instruments can help you focus on the things you are doing rather than your body

• Try meditation

It may help one clear their minds and thoughts of anxiety