Weight Loss and Perception

There is a significant problem with obesity in this country and much worse our perception of others is directly tied to their weight. This is not a conscious perception, rather a subconscious one. Most of us would like to think of ourselves as open-minded and excepting of others. However, our subconscious has an uglier more judgmental side.

If you think about it, it makes total sense. Imagine for a moment, you are not the kind hearted, sweet person you know yourself to be. Imagine you based all your decisions on first impressions. This is how we perceive others upon first glance. Your perception is a filter that your brain uses to process information. It goes strictly by the facts.

When someone is overweight, of cores, we are sympathetic but our subconscious perception has a different opinion, one we may not even be aware of. So much of how we think is determined by our surroundings and unfortunately we are living in an extremely superficial society. Subconsciously, when we see an overweight person, our brain immediately processes a stream of negative information. For example, “He does not take care of himself.” “She has given up.” “He does not love himself.” This is a basic level of consciousness set in us by years of conditioning.

One the opposite side of the spectrum, when we see someone healthy and fit, our perception tells us positive things. “Wow, she’s got it together.” “He takes care of himself.” We tend to be drawn to people that are positive influences on us.

It is important to be healthy. Everyone is healthy at their own specific weight depending on height and gender. Find out what a healthy weight is for you and strive to achieve it. Not only for the sake of a longer life and less sickness but also for employment purposes, love prospects, and getting ahead. First impressions can make or break you.