What do people actually want when they want to lose weight?
When people say they want to lose weight, they’re often focused on a number. Whether it’s fitting into old clothes, feeling lighter, or hitting a specific goal weight, that number on the scale can seem like the ultimate prize. But at CrossFit Kreis 9, we’ve noticed something deeper behind these goals. People often think they want to lose weight, but what they’re really seeking is a feeling: more confidence, better health, or simply feeling good in their own skin.
So, let’s break down what people are truly after when they say they want to lose weight—and how they can achieve those goals without obsessing over the scale.
1. Confidence and self-esteem
One of the most common reasons people say they want to lose weight is to feel more confident. Many associate a certain body size or weight with higher self-esteem. But here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come from the number on the scale, it comes from how you feel about yourself.
At CrossFit Kreis 9, we focus on helping our members feel strong, empowered, and proud of what their bodies can do. It’s about shifting the focus from “weight loss” to “body confidence.” When members start feeling stronger and more capable—whether it’s lifting heavier weights or improving their endurance—their confidence skyrockets, regardless of what the scale says.
2. Better health
Another big reason people want to lose weight is for better health. They often associate weight loss with improvements in conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or joint pain. While losing weight can improve health markers, it’s important to understand that true health comes from overall habits—exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management—not just weight.
The good news is, you don’t need to reach a “target” weight to see significant health benefits. Just by adding more movement to your day, eating nutrient-dense foods, and focusing on overall wellness, you can improve your health dramatically—even if the number on the scale doesn’t drop as quickly as you’d like.
3. Feeling energetic and vital
Many people come to us with a desire to “lose weight” because they feel sluggish, tired, or low on energy. What they’re really seeking is vitality—the feeling of having more energy to keep up with their busy lives.
Often, losing weight isn’t the key to more energy—it’s movement and proper nutrition. At CrossFit Kreis 9, we encourage members prioritize strength and conditioning, balanced meals, and hydration, which leads to a natural increase in energy. When you feel stronger, more capable, and fueled by real food, your energy levels soar—regardless of what the scale says.
4. Fitting into clothes or feeling comfortable
Many people assume that high volume equals high effectiveness. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that longer, more exhaustive For many, weight loss is tied to fitting into a certain size of clothing. They want to feel comfortable in their clothes, whether that means fitting into a pair of jeans or feeling good in swimwear. This is often an emotional goal, linked to body image and societal standards.
But what we’ve found at K9 is that the key to feeling comfortable in your own skin isn’t necessarily dropping pounds—it’s building a body that feels strong and capable. Strength training, for example, changes body composition, often leading to tighter, more defined muscles even without significant weight loss. It’s not about size or weight—it’s about how you feel in your own body.
5. A sense of control
Weight loss is often tied to the desire for control—control over how our bodies look, how we feel, or how others perceive us. It can be empowering to set a weight loss goal and work toward it, but this sense of control can quickly turn into frustration if the number on the scale doesn’t move as expected.
At K9, we help members shift their focus from controlling their weight to controlling their habits. By taking control of what you can—your nutrition, your workouts, and your mindset—you’ll find that the physical changes follow naturally. This approach puts the power back in your hands without the need to rely on the scale for validation.
6. Emotional and mental well-being
Finally, many people seek weight loss as a way to feel better emotionally. They might believe that by losing weight, they’ll feel happier or more accepted. But weight loss alone is rarely the solution to deeper emotional or mental health concerns.
It is important to emphasize the importance of mental and emotional well-being alongside physical fitness. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces stress, and helps people feel more grounded and positive. Focusing on mental health, rather than just physical weight, can often lead to the sense of fulfillment that many people are searching for when they begin a weight loss journey.
The real goal: Feeling good, inside and out
Ultimately, when people say they want to lose weight, what they often mean is they want to feel better—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And while weight loss can be a part of that journey, it’s not the full story. At CrossFit K9, we encourage our members to focus on how they feel, how their bodies perform, and how their habits align with their goals. When you prioritize feeling good inside and out, the results often come naturally. When more help is needed, nutrition coaching is a vital part of what we do.
If you’ve been chasing weight loss without feeling better in the process, maybe it’s time to shift your focus. Rather than just aiming for a number on the scale, think about how you want to feel—more confident, more energetic, or more in control. And let’s work on getting you there through small, sustainable changes that build lasting health and fitness.
- Saara
About the coach:
Meet Saara, a master athlete and a multifaceted professional with an impressive array of qualifications. With a commitment to promoting sustainable fitness and health, Saara balances her role as a business owner, business mentor and mother of three, emphasizing the adaptable and enduring nature of CrossFit training that aligns with her life’s demands and aspirations.
