Does Weight Loss Make You a Happier Person?

Weight loss is helping me to get to that happy place. I know that I was feeling this excited when I started school a few years ago and past some classes. It made me want to conquer the world. I started thinking about losing weight. Same thing when I learned that I could hike. I started feeling that high of .... accomplishment.

I dont' think weight loss is making me a happier person, for me it's more like making a choice to set a goal and going through the hardship to reach that goal and starting to make progress towards it.... I haven't reached my goal yet, but now that you asked this question, I realize, I better be prepared to have some new goals when I'm at my desired weight if I want to stay happy... And it may not be a weight goal, it may be to finish school or save up for a trip or buy a new house or something like that....

I took up running as a tool to help deal with depression - the weight loss is a pleasant side effect, which in itself does make me feel more confident.

When I've had a good hard run in the morning, I know I've done something that most people haven't, and I know it's definitely the most physically difficult thing I'll do that day, which gives me a sense of achievement, even more of a buzz if I've pushed myself to run faster or further than I did on my last run. That, on top of all the happy hormones the exercise floods my system with, is my natural prozac!

Eating healthy really has an effect on my wellbeing too - I love eating colourful veg, nuts, fruit. If I eat junky easy rubbish for a couple of days I can feel the difference - I become sluggish and short tempered.

The scales tell me I'm losing weight, I know I'm feeling better. My goal is the latter, not the former. I don't have an ideal weight, I just want to feel happy, confident, capable and well.

I don't think its losing the actual pounds that have made me a happier person. I think its having set a goal for myself and finally accomplishing it. Knowing that I have made my life healthier just gives me more and more confidence to attack that next goal.

I guess I'm learly of relating your happiness level with your weight. There is just too much other baggage tied into that one for me!

Granted it is nice to hear the compliments and get to buy new clothes... but there are way more benefits than that... and its the other things that really make me happier.

There is something called a "runner's high", it has to do with the release of endorphins that exercise promotes. Regular exercise also works to relieve stress.
In my opinion, the actual weight loss can't "make" me happy, but all of the benefits to losing the weight can help me retain my sense of humor. (better nutrition, less stress, better sleep patterns, generally feeling more attractive...)

I just feel better all around and that makes me happy. I have more confidence and more energy. I can play with my kids more. I don't come home from my sit-down job feeling tired. I am better mentally and physically. I no longer have high blood pressure and I have collar bones now. Who knew just having collar bones could make you feel so much better?

I just feel better all around and that makes me happy. I have more confidence and more energy. I can play with my kids more. I don't come home from my sit-down job feeling tired. I am better mentally and physically. I no longer have high blood pressure and I have collar bones now. Who knew just having collar bones could make you feel so much better?

Hurray for collar bones! I've got 2 of them now, which I've never noticed before. They're both been broken in different places over the years, so they look a bit wonky, but I'm so happy to see them!

I feel lighter (not because of the weight though) and more carefree whenever I lose weight and stick to a healthy eating plan so in a sense yes, I guess I am happier.