'No, I’m not fat fat!'

By Bob Otieno

If you have added weight, the next time your friend makes the observation, admit it. In so doing,  you will be helping yourself  break through our collective denial about our tendency to gain weight.

Studies show that most people are clueless about whether they are gaining or losing weight.

Why are YOU IN denial?
It may be related to optimism or vanity or a real lack of awareness of your the changes in your body.
Still, not everyone has their head in the sand. Women do a better job than men of gauging changes in their weight, and younger people are more on target than older adults.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk for all sorts of chronic health conditions and medical costs. We need to do a better job of monitoring changes in weight.

Everyone lies (about their weight)
Denial is not all that uncommon; people underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, so people think they are taller and thinner than they really are.

And this may well contribute to the rising rates of obesity. We are not as sensitive to the changes in our weight.

How can we cut through these?
For starters, weigh yourself on a regular basis. You can also tell if you are gaining or losing weight by how your clothes fit. 
Don’t wear stretch clothes. Instead, put aside clothes in a lesser size and wear it once a week to see if it is getting tight. If the numbers start to climb and your jeans start to feel snug, it may be time to make some changes.

One thing to note is that weight gain is a highly charged emotional issue. There is no benefit in overly honest to someone in the hope of shaming someone into losing weight.

However, this does not mean you should lie if someone asks you if they look like they have added weight. You can tell the truth in a way that is productive and positive. For instance, say, “I find it hard to manage my weight. I think you look wonderful, but maybe we can start an exercise or walking programme together.”

Many people who go for surgery don’t believe they have health problems associated with their obesity. Such people are in denial about their health status, which is dangerous. If you don’t know you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you won’t seek treatment, which puts you at a much higher risk of heart attack and stroke.