From the Guidelines
To determine if you are weight suppressed, you should consult with a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or eating disorder specialist who can assess your weight history, current eating patterns, and physiological markers. Weight suppression refers to maintaining a body weight that is significantly below your natural or historical weight. You may be weight suppressed if you're currently at a weight that is notably lower than your highest adult weight (excluding pregnancy), especially if you're maintaining this lower weight through restrictive eating or excessive exercise. Signs include constantly thinking about food, feeling cold frequently, experiencing fatigue, having irregular menstrual cycles (for women), or noticing changes in mood or sleep patterns. Your body might also be sending hunger signals that you're actively ignoring or suppressing.
Key Indicators of Weight Suppression
- Constantly thinking about food
- Feeling cold frequently
- Experiencing fatigue
- Having irregular menstrual cycles (for women)
- Noticing changes in mood or sleep patterns
- Actively ignoring or suppressing hunger signals To assess weight suppression, medical professionals can look at your:
- Weight history
- Current eating patterns
- Physiological markers Weight suppression can have negative health consequences, including hormonal imbalances, bone density loss, and metabolic adaptations, as your body attempts to function with insufficient energy 1.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Given the potential health risks associated with weight suppression, it is crucial to seek guidance from a healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or eating disorder specialist. They can provide personalized advice and help you develop a plan to achieve a healthy weight. By prioritizing your health and seeking professional help, you can mitigate the risks associated with weight suppression and work towards a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
From the Research
Understanding Weight Suppression
To determine if you are weight suppressed, it's essential to understand what weight suppression is. Weight suppression refers to the discrepancy between your highest adult weight and your current weight 2.
Identifying Weight Suppression
There are several factors to consider when identifying weight suppression:
- The difference between your highest adult weight and your current weight
- Your eating habits and behaviors
- Your mental health and emotional relationship with food and weight
- Any history of eating disorders or disordered eating
Research on Weight Suppression
Studies have shown that weight suppression can have both positive and negative effects on individuals, depending on the context and population being studied 2. For example:
- Weight suppression has been associated with improved weight loss outcomes in some studies 3, 4
- However, it has also been linked to increased risk of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors 2, 5
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective in addressing weight suppression and improving treatment outcomes for individuals with eating disorders 5
Key Factors to Consider
When considering weight suppression, it's crucial to take into account the following factors:
- Your overall health and well-being
- Your relationship with food and eating
- Any mental health concerns or eating disorders
- Your goals and motivations for weight loss or management
Next Steps
If you suspect that you may be weight suppressed, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can help you assess your situation and develop a personalized plan to address any concerns. They can help you:
- Evaluate your eating habits and behaviors
- Assess your mental health and emotional relationship with food and weight
- Develop a tailored plan to achieve a healthy weight and improve your overall well-being