This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Solving the Weightloss Dilemma

Nobody ever likes to talk about it but there are strong emotions tied to being overweight. I have been working with overweight and obese clients for over 30 years and see a very strong emotional connection between food and obesity.

In those 30 years, I have encountered countless teary-eyed conversations with people who are worried, sad, depressed and fearful about their overweight condition. They feel out of touch and out of control when it comes to their bodies.

It is not an easy conversation to have with a client but it is essential to fixing the root problem. Maybe you find yourself in the same situation. You might be a successful professional or mom (or both) who can manage your business or children but not your weight.

My first suggestion to clients is to begin by taking responsibility for your body. Instead of looking for excuses for your overweight condition, just own-up to the situation and accept it for what it is; a temporary situation with a solution.

Also know that with the right guidance you can change how you feel and the way your body looks for the better. No, I am not talking about weight loss surgery, crazy hours at the gym, Biggest Loser tactics or special diets.

I am suggesting that you learn to understand the real reasons for your excess weight and fixing those problems in a healthy and sustainable way. I am suggesting that you truly consider your body as a temple and start treating it that way.

These changes are the only real solution. Not the senseless diets or endless hours "burning-off the extra calories." That strategy has been tried for over 50 years and what do we have to show for it? An obesity epidemic that is growing by the day.

For 2014, I suggest ending your food struggles for good and consider trying a different approach. An approach that I have seen work and know will make you a weight-loss success story in the New Year.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?