The Happy Ways of Weight Loss

Let Science show you how....

We have a recent post suggesting that building happiness can help weight loss.

Here you will see some amazing scientific evidence on that.

Science has proven: Happiness affects the levels of a series of brain chemicals such as serotonin and endorphin, which are your great friends and helpers for your weight loss.

Serotonin, for example, is called “the happy chemical”. Your brain produces more of it when you are happy, which in turn increase dietary discipline and reduce impulse eating.

There is increasingly more evidence showing that happiness or psychological well-being supports weight reduction. Let’s count the ways….

Happiness and Healthier Choices: A 2012 study from the Harvard School of Public Health found that positive psychological well-being is associated with restorative health behaviors (e.g., healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate sleep), which can facilitate weight loss.

Happier individuals tend to make healthier decisions, potentially due to lower stress and better self-control.

Stress Reduction and Cortisol: Happiness can lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone linked to emotional eating and fat storage, particularly abdominal obesity.

A 2017 study noted that happier individuals had up to 32% lower level of cortisol than less happy ones, which helps reduce stress-related overeating and aid weight loss.

Serotonin and Impulse Control: A University of Utah study showed that higher levels of serotonin (the "happiness chemical") reduced impulsive eating. Participants given tryptophan (a serotonin precursor) were less likely to make impulsive food choices, suggesting happiness may enhance dietary discipline.

Hey, you don’t need to be feed the serotonin precursor or serotonin, you could make it yourself - by making yourself happy!

How? The ways are all over this Substack!

Need more convincing? Let’s count more ways….

Endorphins and Appetite Regulation: Activities that boost happiness, like exercise or meditation, increase endorphin levels, which can act as appetite suppressants.

A 2014 article noted that endorphins from such activities may help regulate appetite and support weight loss.

Positive Psychological Interventions: A 2015 study by the University of Adelaide found that focusing on happiness rather than weight loss led to better outcomes.

In a pilot study, among women who underwent positive psychology sessions (emphasizing hope, gratitude, and strengths), half of them lose weight over four weeks, with three-quarters losing more by 12 weeks, despite not focusing on weight loss directly.

Mindful Eating and Motivation: Happiness promotes mindfulness and motivation, which can prevent overeating.

A 2025 article from Anchorage Bariatrics highlighted that happier individuals are more aware of their eating habits and motivated to stick to healthy goals, supporting weight loss efforts.

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Enough evidence for you to want to try?

Take on one of the skills for building happiness introduced in this Substack to start!

If needed, we may provide practical guidance and tips along the way, specifically tailoring to you and your situation. Simply sign up below and make a request. We would be HAPPY to help and support you!