10 Things That Adults Often Struggle With If They Grew Up Overweight (3 of 6)

Difficulty Trusting Their Hunger Cues

Children who were encouraged to clean their plates or scolded for wanting more food sometimes grow into adults who struggle to understand their own hunger. They may eat past fullness because they were taught not to waste food or eat too little because they felt ashamed of wanting to eat more. These early messages disrupt the ability to intuitively sense hunger or fullness, creating confusion or guilt around normal appetite and hunger cues.

Feeling Responsible For Making Others Comfortable

Being overweight as a child often comes with carrying emotional weight as well. Many kids become people pleasers, wanting to avoid criticism or judgment by keeping everyone happy. As adults, they may overextend themselves, apologize excessively, or avoid setting boundaries. That desire to stay small emotionally—even while existing in a larger body—becomes a habit that drains energy and self-worth.