Why is it that so many of us are overweight? Why does weight control feel like a losing battle….or should I say a “gaining battle?” While there are as many answers to that as there are excess pounds, I have found that there are several major unconscious negative/limiting beliefs or factors that keep us overweight.

1. I don't deserve to be at my ideal weight. Others do, but not me! Some people actually believe that there are born winners and born losers, and you are what you are and there is simply nothing you can do about it. This is completely neurotic, because we are ALL born to win. Yes, some of us may have natural advantages (Albert Einstein, Halle Berry) and others may have natural obstacles (Danny DeVito, Helen Keller), but we ALL have the power of choice.

2. I've always been fat. In fact, everyone in our family is fat. We sometimes believe we are what we look like. Sometimes it is all we can share with a loved one. Some would feel guilty being slender because it might make mother feel bad for being overweight. The good news is that genetics is responsible for only 35%, which means 65% is due to our environment and/or choices.

3. Attention/Power. No one can miss a heavy person -- you are guaranteed to stand out. Weight gets them noticed. And to some people, negative attention is better than none at all.

4. Chastity fat. Many young peoples, particularly victims of molestation, gain weight to deflect unwanted sexual advances. This also explains why some people sabotage their mate's weight loss programs….they don'don't want others to be attracted to their mate.

If any of these issues touch a chord in you, then rejoice. It means that you are now conscious, and that is the first (and hardest) step toward positive change. Know that these are not facts! They are beliefs, and we can always change our beliefs. How can we be free of these limiting beliefs, lifestyle, and thought processes? So while you may have a slow metabolism (like me) and love food (like me), you can balance it all out to look and feel the best you possibly can. Look for Part 2 of this piece in “Why Weight - - the Sequel” as we explore seven simple steps to self-control.