Many people fail to lose weight because they simply will not take personal responsibility for their obesity. I do not speak to this issue as an outsider, but as one who use to blame my excess weight one everything and everyone other than myself; so there is not judgment in this assessment. However, the assessment still stands: Many people are overweight because they will not take responsibility for their obesity.

Of course, I remember the excuses I made for my weight. But since I have become a weight-loss coach, I have more clearly taken note of these excuses when I hear them from others. Here are two that I hear most often:

It Was The Way I Was Raised 

It’s doubtful that any of us were raised in a home where we were fed a low -carbohydrate, natural source, ketogenic diet. Most of us were raised to believe that a healthy diet consisted of low fat and lots grains. To complicate things, many of us were raised with a dysfunctional relationship with food.

This was true in my upbringing. Food meant excitement! This was particularly true of bad food. I was raided by a single mother and (most) every night we went out to eat. So for me, bad food was adventurous. As a result, I have had to overcome a tight neuro-association between bad food and feelings of adventure and excitement.

Others have been raised with food as a source of comfort. If you are feeling bad, eat something sweet and you will feel better.

Still for others, food was used as reward. You were good, you get something sweet; you were bad, you missed dessert.

I’m Genetically Predisposed to Be Fat 

Another excuse is to blame genetics. Some will blame their obesity on the fact that they are big boned, or they have a slow metabolism, or that obesity runes in their family.

Again, these are excuses I have used. As I have said before (either in this blog or in my podcasts), I have a body that easily puts on weight. I do not have a V shaped body, nor am I a bean-poll. My body is very round when out of shape and very square when I am in shape. Whether it is my metabolism or some other factor, I have to fight to stay fit.

Getting Beyond The Excuses 

It may be true that you had an upbringing in which you developed a bad relationship with food. It may also be true that you have a genetic profile that makes easily gain weight. However, these are not good excuses.

In order to get to a healthy weight, one must take responsibility for the choices they make. Overcome your excesses and realize that you are the one who decides what you eat and whether or not you exercise is you.