What contributes to obesity

By Rachael Williams

Obesity is complex.

Behavior and psychology (stress, mental health) play a role. So does genetics and medications like antidepressants and insulin. Family environment, marital status, income, education, social support and where you live do too.

It's a long list and willpower isn't on it.

Most people carry some version of the opposite belief.

If the plan isn't working, it must be them. Not enough discipline. Not enough motivation. Not trying hard enough.

But a body responding to genetics, medication, stress, and its environment is doing exactly what all of those factors are pushing it to do.

This is part of why floor-level plans work better than ambitious ones. A plan built only on motivation assumes none of that other stuff is happening. It assumes full energy, no stress, easy access, no complicating factors. For most people, that assumption doesn't exist.

A plan that accounts for real life with busy weeks, low energy, and imperfect conditions has a chance of surviving. A plan that requires perfect willpower doesn't.

If you've been putting this on yourself as a discipline problem, I'd push back on that. It's worth building a plan around the factors that are actually in play, not around the assumption that you just need to want it more.

If you want help building something that fits your life of busy schedules, stress, low energy, all of it, check out the 6-Week Strength and Confidence Program.

Back to all posts

Stay in the Loop

Get fitness tips and updates straight to your inbox.

Join the Mailing List