Q. I have two small children, 3 and 1 years. Since I have had my children I have gained a lot of weight. I have gained about 50 lbs. I want to lose weight. Everyone has recognized that I have gained weight but no one feels like I need help other than myself. In the past 2 years I have tried everything from changing my diet to trying different exercise programs but nothing works. I usually stay stressed out staying at home with the kids all day. Then when my husband gets home he normally doesn’t have time to pay any attention to me. I think my stress is somehow linked to my inability to lose weight. I would like to talk to someone but whenever I suggest it my family just tells me that I’m just looking for attention. Should I ignore what they say and see someone anyway or should I just do nothing?
A. The weight loss industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. I have discussed your situation with a behavioral weight loss specialist who doubts very sincerely that your inability to lose weight has anything to do with your stress. It is always a matter of caloric intake versus metabolic rate. Exercise will increase metabolic rate and eating less will reduce your caloric intake. Either or both will solve your weight gain problem. I would recommend that you see someone who specializes in behavior modification weight loss. Studies show that only behavior modification can produce permanent weight loss. Take care.
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Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 24 Dec 2006
