10 Things That Adults Often Struggle With If They Grew Up Overweight (2 of 6)

An “All or Nothing” Approaching to Dieting

Kids who struggled with weight were often put on diets early, taught restrictive rules, or praised only when they lost weight. As adults, they may bounce between extremes: very restrictive dieting or giving up totally. This black and white mindset can make healthy eating feel overwhelming. Instead of balance, the cycle becomes a back and forth between restriction followed by frustration or burnout. The problem isn’t the desire to be healthier. It’s the rigid thinking that was learned long before they became adults.

Struggling with Consistent Exercise Habits

For some kids, physical activity was tied to embarrassment, like gym ridicule, uniforms that didn’t fit, or being picked last for team sports. As adults, exercise can feel intimidating rather than empowering. The gym may trigger old memories of humiliation or comparison. Instead of viewing movement as joyful, it becomes associated with punishment, discomfort, or fear of judgement. Rebuilding that relationship takes patience and compassion.