In the current lockdown mode, people turn to food as compensation for the loss of freedom. Many individuals have become accustomed to a more sedentary, sedate lifestyle.听Work from home听鈥斕齏FH听鈥斕齣s the new norm. Unfortunately, it is a big challenge to do it well because of the inefficient telecommunications infrastructure. The听internet is often too slow or non-existent. There are dinosaurs who work in offices who are still reliant on the fax machine. The Wi-Fi is a now subject of scorn. The telecom companies have poor systems and the hapless customer service reps witness the terrible temper tantrums of the VIPs.听
What do people do? They complain,听they听vent their ire on others. They binge and eat. It is understandable to a certain extent听鈥斕齩ral satisfaction and verbal grumpiness.听
In this light, we look at the relationship between willpower and diet.听
Scientists have unmasked the myth of willpower听in the context of diet and weight control.听
Decades ago, the easy explanation for peculiar dietary behavior was willpower.听Over-rated and over-used, willpower was听said to be听the reason for a thin individual鈥檚 non-indulgence听in听decadent sweets. He/she remained indifferent and unmoved. The heavyweight feels a compulsion to nibble or munch. This type of behavior has become exacerbated or different during these uncertain times.听
Weight-loss researchers consider willpower an obsolete, discredited concept.听
In a weight loss study prepared by the听New York Times, here is the report: 鈥淭o attribute dieting success or failure to willpower is to ignore the complex interaction of brain chemicals, behavioral conditioning, hormones, heredity and the powerful influence of habits.鈥听
At the University of Pennsylvania,听psychiatry听professor Dr. Albert Stunkard noted, 鈥淲illpower is just a pejorative way of describing your failures. Willpower does not have any meaning.鈥听
A study of behavioral modification by the University of Michigan,听鈥淏ehavioral Control of Overeating,鈥 analyzed the elements of self-control in relation to weight loss. It revealed that women who were treated with behavior modification techniques lost from 26 to 47 pounds in a year. These women had regular sessions with therapists. They recorded in detail their food intake and moods (just before eating) in their daily journals.听
The focus of weight-loss programs moved toward behavioral steps that a dieter takes regarding eating.听
What is behavioral modification?听
It is a weight-loss strategy that involves changing eating habits and making new habits.听
Behavior affects the brain鈥檚 chemical balance and vice versa. People who have 鈥渘ight eating syndrome鈥 tend to overeat in the evening and have trouble sleeping. They also wake up in the middle of the night to听eat.听
This happens more frequently during stressful times such as the prolonged period of isolation.听
Studies show that such people have below-normal blood levels of the听hormones听melatonin, leptin,听and cortisol. Melatonin is the hormone that helps us sleep.听
鈥淲illpower as an independent cause of behavior is a myth,鈥 according to a psychiatrist who counsels dieters. He helps them change their attitude, be positive听about their ability to lose weight. He warns them about the formidable forces that work against them.听
Part of the problem is the toxic environment for weight control. Fast food is readily available. Our society has become sedentary.听Social media promotes all kinds of eye-catching, rich tasting food. We see mostly decadent desserts. There are hardly any ads for healthy food like vegetarian, salt-free, low-sugar, low-calorie dishes. People crave comfort food, sweet drinks,听and alcoholic cocktails to compensate for the lack of mobility.听
The Yale Center for Eating and Weight disorders reported that a person鈥檚 ability to control eating varies and 鈥測ou cannot attribute that to biology.听
鈥淭here is a collective public loss of willpower because of the terrible food environment鈥 One needs much more than willpower,听now more than ever,听just to stay even.鈥听
Discipline is the key. People must learn how to say 鈥淣o鈥 and resist the temptation of eating fattening foods and drinking sweet sodas or alcoholic beverages. In weight-loss programs, dieters admit that they need to learn how to live with dessert in the refrigerator and NOT to eat it. This also applies to having drinks at the bar.听
To be successful, they should arrange their lives so that they rarely confront such temptations.听
(This exercise is probably considered cruel in the context of current crisis.)听
According to Dr. Rena Wing of the University of Pittsburgh, 鈥淚f you make certain plans, you will be able to engineer your behavior in such a way that you will look as if you have willpower.鈥听
What matters ultimately is one鈥檚 (mental and physical) health and well-being. Losing weight and keeping fit are just two steps to a youthful figure, attractive appearance, a more productive and happy life. Discipline and balance would enhance the process. One point to remember is that one has the choice to make occasional听exceptions. One can compromise to feel satisfied, plus or minus the calories.听
