5 Reasons Why Someone Feels Fat Even Though He's Normal Weight

Illustration of feeling fat even though he is normal (Freepic) weight

YOGYAKARTA - Many people, even though their weight is in the normal range, still feel they are fat. This feeling is sometimes confusing and can make them uneasy every time they reflect. It turns out that, behind a fat feeling that doesn't match the scales, there are several psychological and physical reasons that are related to each other. This explains the reasons why a person can feel fat even though his weight is normal.

Fat feelings often appear when a person becomes too aware of his body. This can be triggered by small comments from other people, clothes that feel a bit narrow, or just reflections in the mirror that make attention focused on body details.

This condition creates the impression that the body is getting bigger, even though in fact there are no significant changes. This kind of increased body awareness is experienced by many people who have struggled with eating disorders or body image disorders, because the level of awareness of physical forms is usually much higher than others.

The body often experiences normal sensations such as bloating stomach, fluid retention, or full taste after eating, reported by The Wave Clinic, Wednesday, October 1. However, this sensation is often interpreted incorrectly as a sign that the body is growing. For example, during PMS, body fluids tend to be restrained so that it makes the stomach feel 'widening,' or after eating heavy foods, the full taste can be immediately considered as gain weight. Even though these conditions are temporary and do not really reflect changes in body size.

Sadness, stress, or boredom is sometimes difficult to understand and manage, so the mind looks for ways to channel it. In this situation, the body is often targeted, and an expression like 'I am fat' appears as a form of representation of emotions that are not conveyed.

Instead of understanding the roots of his emotions, a person puts a label on his body faster because it is more concrete and easy to catch. As a result, the body becomes a kind of emotional mirror that makes the perception of feeling 'fat' stronger.

Body dysmorphic disorder can make a person trapped in the mind that he has physical shortcomings, although actually not visible to others. This perception creates distortion so that even normal weight appears excessive in the eyes of themselves.

This condition often makes individuals constantly compare themselves with others, avoid social situations, or repeatedly check the body to seek certainty. This distortion traps the mind so that fat feelings become difficult to release even though the facts say otherwise.

Popular culture and media often describe the ideal body as thin or slim. This picture unconsciously forms internal standards that are unrealistic for many people. When the real body is slightly different from the ideal', the mind can immediately conclude that it is fat. This condition makes self-confidence dependent solely on body size, not on health or welfare. As a result, even though the body is in a healthy range, feelings of dissatisfaction still arise that lead to the impression of appearing fat.

The reason why you feel fat even though you are normal body weight is not just a matter of numbers on the scales, but there are other factors related to psychological, physiological, and cultural conditions. By understanding the five reasons above, you can be more objective in assessing your own body. If this feeling continues to be annoying, it is best to consider consulting a mental health professional. Remember, a healthy body deserves to be appreciated and loved as it is.