Losing weight, especially if you are overweight or obese, comes with numerous benefits. But not all things that your body goes through to lose extra pounds are good. You may experience strange side effects, from mood to relationships with friends or partners. Here are the good, the weird, and the bad things that happen to a person who recently lost weight.
Feeling cold
Losing even 10 percent of your body weight can cause changes to your thyroid hormone levels. These changes are usually not alarming, but they have a strange side effect—you will feel colder. People think this chilling effect comes from losing body fat, but it is a hormonal change and a reminder that weight loss is more than simply dropping pounds.
Feeling blue
Slimmer people are happier, right? Wrong. University College London found that losing even five percent of your body weight could lead to depression. The explanation makes sense: people have high expectations and often think losing weight will solve all their problems. Since this is not the case, people feel disappointed. Losing weight still comes with many health-related benefits, but since they are not instantly visible, talk to someone if you notice a drop in your mood.
You might look older
When you lose fat from your face, wrinkles and other imperfections will naturally become more visible. To improve your overall skin health, use vitamin C and high-quality moisturizers as part of your routine. If you are really unhappy with your face’s appearance, go to a dermatologist.
Food could taste differently
Stanford University researchers found that losing weight can make food taste better. The explanation is that taste buds become dulled with overuse. Hormonal changes can also impact taste buds, but overall, if this happens to you, it will likely make you enjoy food more.
People will have opinions
Some will be glad you took charge of your overall health and appearance. Others will not notice any changes unless they are drastic. There are also those who will make fun of you because of their insecurities or issues they might have with you, regardless of your weight.
Your wallet will not be happy
Once you lose a certain weight, you will need new clothes. This is especially noticeable if you lose 20 pounds or more. While shopping can be fun, your wallet will not be thrilled about the cost of your weight loss. You will also have to resize your rings, but that’s not all.
Your feet could shrink
When your gut shrinks, so do your feet. Many people have had to say goodbye to their favorite shoes because they are a whole size larger after significant weight loss. On the flip side, if you like heels, it will be easier to walk in them when you are lighter.
You will not lose fat only
Approximately 2/3 of your weight loss will be fat, while the rest is muscle. Your skin will be looser, which is not the best look, but it is an excellent reminder that a healthy lifestyle does not exist without exercising. While working out, increase protein intake to rebuild your muscles.
Dealing with a weight-loss plateau
People believe shredding first, for example, 10 pounds, is easier than the last five. A weight loss plateau indicates that it is time to change your routine. Perhaps your calorie intake is the same as your outtake, or you need to add more exercise to your routine. A weight loss plateau may fix itself in some cases.
Fear of regaining weight can negatively impact your confidence
Instead of feeling great about achieving your goal, your confidence might suffer a setback because of the fear that you will regain your previous weight overnight. It is important to remember that you are still the same person, but you did something for your health, and now your job is to eat well and exercise, not to obsess over calories.
Phantom fat and similar disorders
Some tend to have a weird sensation called phantom fat disorder. You still feel the fat on your body despite it not being there. Losing a significant amount of fat will affect your mind, and you might get stuck on imperfections, which could lead to body dysmorphic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you find your body changes troubling, talk to a therapist.
Your partner might not be supportive
Any life change can disrupt relationships. Ideally, your partner would support and encourage you. However, some partners could be sabotaging your weight loss efforts. A North Carolina State University study found that when one partner lost 30 or more pounds, that caused arguments about food, nagging, and resentment in partnerships.
