Feeling anxiety about your weight is a common issue that many people face, and this certainly includes Christians.
While I don’t usually repeat the common messages that you can find elsewhere, I realized that I may be doing you a disservice. I don’t want to assume you have heard all the foundational advice and jump straight to the less-common advice. Since I want to be an all-in-one resource for you, let me set out the basics of how you can begin to deal with your weight anxiety.
OK, the truth is, I cannot seem to stop myself from adding my own two cents to the basic advice. But these sections include the basics, as well. I guess that’s why I have my own blog.
Now back to what you are actually here for: You can work to adopt these important steps which can help you stop feeling so anxious about your weight. Consider each section carefully and think about what changes you can make in each area.
Focus on being healthy, not just on your weight
Instead of solely focusing on your weight, try to focus on adopting healthy habits that will improve your overall health. This could include making deliberate food choices, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing your stress levels. Don’t overlook this, because changing your focus from the number on the scale to your overall health can make you feel better in many ways.
Challenge your thoughts
Believe it or not, the primary issue isn’t usually your body. It is your thoughts and beliefs that plague you. Think about how many people you know have the body you want but still aren’t satisfied with the way they look. You can understand why it’s your thoughts and beliefs that must be helped first, and only then does it become appropriate to work on your physical health goals. Doing this in the wrong order can leave you in the same place you are in now…I know, weird huh?
Be dependent on the Lord
I know this isn’t basic advice, but it is essential. Make sure to feed daily on God’s Word and come to Him in prayer. This is where we get help for all of life’s issues, and weight anxiety is certainly no exception.
Philippians 4:6-7 says “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (italics mine).
This provides so much hope for any type of anxiety. God promises to give His peace to your heart and mind when you continually pray about your concerns with thanksgiving. Isn’t that amazing?
Seek support for anxiety about your weight
One thing that seems to be common with this problem is feeling like no one would understand. But I’m here to tell you it is a very common issue, even among believers. So reach out to a trusted and spiritually-mature friend, a pastor, or a family member about your concerns. You might even be opening a door to let them share similar concerns with you! And it’s a good idea to consider working with a professional – but make sure it is one who is qualified and shares your faith.
If you would like personalized help and support from me to overcome this and all the related issues, book a free Kickstarter Plan call to find out how I can walk with you through a step-by-step method to help you overcome this anxiety and what’s causing it.
Avoid comparing yourself to others
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and sometimes setting weight goals for yourself simply because someone else weighs that amount is…well…a fool’s errand. God has made us each with our own blueprint, and He clearly loves variety! We are the ones who want to clone each other. So, avoid comparing yourself to others and instead focus on your own health, well-being, and representation of God to the world.
It is important to remember your identity is in Christ who purchased you with His precious blood (1 Cor. 6:20). Remember who God says you are and don’t let even your own thoughts overrule that. Finally, it’s critical you discover where your value truly comes from. You are more than your body shape and size!
Sister, if you need help remembering this, join our private, free Facebook group, Food and Body Peace Sisters, where you will be supported and encouraged as you interact with me and other Christian women like you!
The process of remodeling your thoughts and beliefs takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories along the way, and thank God that He is faithful to help you every time you seek Him (2 Thess. 3:3).
