The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast – Why Is It So Hard To Lose Weight After Narcissistic Abuse?

Intro

The Narcissistic Abuse and Trauma Recovery Podcast aims to provide awareness, understanding, and education about the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse. The podcast is a beacon of hope for those who have experienced narcissistic abuse, with the goal of moving from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth. In this episode, the host explores why it can be challenging to lose weight after narcissistic abuse.

Main Takeaways

Effects of Trauma on Eating Habits

• Trauma and the nervous system can affect eating habits.
• Emotional eating can be a way to numb and distract from trauma.
• Emotional eating can hinder healing and lead to consuming excess calories.

Cortisol and Weight Gain

• Women approaching late 30s, 40s, and 50s tend to store fat around the stomach due to cortisol production.
• Cortisol is a stress hormone and excess production can lead to weight gain and chronic illness.
• Trauma response can make it difficult to lose weight as the body clings onto fat stores.
• Excess cortisol can lead to autoimmune disorders and digestive issues.

Healing Trauma Responses

• Inner work is crucial to healing trauma responses.
• Wild animals don’t give up even in freeze response.
• Human beings stay in trauma responses even when safe.
• Nervous system works on a hierarchy from freeze to fight to flight.
• Exercise can trigger cortisol release and trauma responses if not approached carefully.

Importance of Nutritious Eating

• Nutritious eating is key to a sustainable weight loss plan.
• Trauma can lead to stress-related illnesses and affect weight loss.
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can be reversed through lifestyle changes.

Reducing Cortisol Levels and Trauma Responses

• Cortisol release can be triggered by exercise and stress.
• Feeling safe in the present moment is key to reducing cortisol levels and trauma responses.
• Perception of past experiences can lead to negative views of self and trauma responses.
• Grounding, mindfulness, and somatic healing can help bring the body back into balance.

Hormones and Weight Loss Struggles

• Trauma responses can cause the body to hold onto fat stores.
• Hormones can also play a role in weight loss struggles.
• Healthy eating should be a lifestyle, not just a means to lose weight.

Summary

Effects of Trauma on Eating Habits

Trauma and the nervous system can significantly impact an individual’s eating habits. Emotional eating often becomes a coping mechanism to numb and distract from trauma, hindering the healing process and leading to consuming excess calories. Recognizing and addressing emotional eating patterns is crucial for weight loss and overall well-being.

Cortisol and Weight Gain

Women approaching late 30s, 40s, and 50s tend to store fat around the stomach due to cortisol production. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can lead to weight gain and chronic illness when produced in excess. Trauma responses can make it challenging to lose weight as the body clings onto fat stores. Managing cortisol levels through stress reduction techniques and lifestyle changes is essential for weight loss and overall health.

Healing Trauma Responses

Healing trauma responses is a vital part of the weight loss journey. The nervous system operates on a hierarchy from freeze to fight to flight. Trauma can keep individuals stuck in these responses even when they are safe. Inner work, such as therapy, grounding techniques, and somatic healing, can help individuals shift from survival mode to thriving.

Importance of Nutritious Eating

Nutritious eating is key to a sustainable weight loss plan. Trauma can lead to stress-related illnesses that can impact weight loss efforts. Making healthy food choices and adopting a balanced diet can support overall well-being and aid in weight loss. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as addressing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, can have a positive impact on weight and health.

Reducing Cortisol Levels and Trauma Responses

Reducing cortisol levels and trauma responses is essential for weight loss and overall well-being. Cortisol release can be triggered by exercise and stress, hindering weight loss efforts. Creating a safe environment and practicing techniques like grounding, mindfulness, and somatic healing can help individuals reduce cortisol levels and break free from trauma responses.

Hormones and Weight Loss Struggles

Trauma responses can cause the body to hold onto fat stores, making weight loss challenging. Hormonal imbalances can also contribute to weight loss struggles. Taking a holistic approach to weight loss, focusing on overall health and well-being rather than just the number on the scale, is crucial. Healthy eating should be a lifestyle, supporting long-term weight management and improved overall health.

Conclusion

Losing weight after narcissistic abuse can be challenging due to the effects of trauma on the body and mind. Understanding the impact of trauma on eating habits, cortisol production, and hormone balance is essential for successful weight loss. By healing trauma responses, adopting nutritious eating habits, and reducing cortisol levels, individuals can move from surviving to thriving and achieve their weight loss goals.