According to a report by the International Food Information Council, over 70% of American’s went on a diet last year. Ironically, many dieters find themselves feeling so alone – like they are the only one struggling with their weight.

It is so easy to fall in a trap of feeling like no one understands or no one struggles quite like you do. The truth is 70% of people are struggling with their weight or they wouldn’t be dieting.

Whether someone is 10lbs or 100lbs overweight, being heavy is not fun. It may be easy to look at everyone who appears to be smaller than you and think they don’t understand, but just because you would be happy at their size doesn’t mean they are. The fact is they could be just as unhappy about their weight as you are about yours.

For some odd reason we like to categorize our self by weight or situation which only separates us more, leaving us feeling more alone. It’s easy to think other people have it better. Although that may be true in some cases I guarantee you there is someone, just like you, who has experienced great success. Unfortunately, these insecurities often prevent people from even attempting a diet.

These same insecurities can also affect our exercise routine. Most people will try going it alone first by walking around the neighborhood or doing an exercise video, but exercising alone is not always best. Sadly, people tend to avoid health clubs like the plague because they are under the impression gyms are for the fit – not the fat. Boy, are they wrong!

Despite what people think, the number one reason for joining a gym is to lose weight yet many people won’t join a gym because they feel like they won’t belong. Once again, people set themselves apart, not realizing they are the majority - not the minority. In actuality, the super fit person is the one who stands out in a health club.

Our insecurities can be our worst enemy. Our lack of confidence can make us fail before we even try to get in shape. Some people just accept their situation as if there were no other choice, generally a conclusion based on no education and a self-diagnosis.

If our insecurities don’t get in the way, fear and pride can interfere with our success. I am amazed how many people think everyone is judging their fitness level or weight. I have to giggle, because most people are too worried about what they look like to even judge others.

If you struggle with your weight, take a good look around you. You are not as alone as you think you are, and there are people who are dying to help if you will let them. Don’t let these common insecurities get in the way of your success.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 at 3:27 pm and is filed under Daily Life, Weight Loss.