How Losing Your Job Can Help You Lose Weight

Aug 19, 2009

When your world is turned upside down, whether you’ve lost your job or the economy has sunk, it’s thought that you turn to familiar “comfort foods,” such as cupcakes, sundaes, grandma’s chocolate chip cookies and even potato chips (among other make-my-tummy-oh-so-happy treats). It makes sense, right? We all want to feel comforted during rocky times.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, it’s quite the contrary. We’re actually finding comfort in the unfamiliar during times of “stress and upheaval.” For instance, when it comes to food, instead of Lay’s potato chips, participants of the study chose "camembert-and-plum crisps" (an English snack). We’re choosing new, adventurous and exotic foods over the classic and familiar, which begs the question: well, how does this go beyond just food?

It appears that instability in one’s life allows you to be more open to new options because you’re in the right mindset for change, and stability just keeps you sticking to what you know well. In a separate study, activities and behaviors were examined and the same theory holds true.

While we’re always hearing “there’s no better time than the present,” there might just be a better time to start something new in your life, if the present isn’t during a time of change. And yes, it all has to do with your perception of these changes. Losing a job, having a baby, marriage, an economic downturn, a new administration all constitutes big changes for most of us and you can use this time to better your overall health or even accomplish ambitious goals.

“While some people believe in not trying too many things at once, sometimes change can be a big wake-up call to turn over a new leaf and get on track,” says iVillage health editor-at-large Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D., CNS. “It’s all about readiness. The greatest period of engagement is when you’re at a readiness to change, not thinking about it, but actually wanting to do something. The issue here is that you’re always asking, is it a good time or a bad time? And, it’s really an individual thing.”

Use a setback as an opportunity for achieving your health goals or ending bad habits, whether it’s to quit smoking, cut out junk food or exercise more. A major life transition could be the start of a number of new and exciting opportunities that will benefit your well being. You’re naturally drawn to new and different options and activities in times of upheaval, so why dwell on the negative when you can utilize the situation for your own good.

Here's what our community said:

"When my Mom died, I vowed to stay healthy and not let heart disease win over my life like it did hers, as well as my grandmother's!" —Heather Hopper, NeverSayDiet reader

"We moved to a "village" with one restaurant and two golden arches, after living in a very big city for six years. There was absolutely NOTHING to do there. I decided to join the military gym to help with the boredom... it changed my life forever. I lost 40 pounds and [I'm] still going strong. We have now moved to Washington D.C. and our apartment has a beautiful gym, just an elevator ride away, so I am able to continue my healthy lifestyle!" —Paula Wasson Healey, NeverSayDiet reader

"My SO [significant other] was fired from his job in an industry he worked in for ten years. His life has changed COMPLETELY since then. It wasn't just the job loss that motivated the change, but leaving that place did cause him to re-evalute his priorities, values, what he wants out of life, etc. This happened before I met him, and we wouldn't be together if it wasn't for him leaving that job. He is healthier emotionally, has better relationships with his family, and has done great things for his health like lose weight and quit smoking among other things." —cl-iv_aingeal, iVillage reader

Has an unexpected situation changed your life in a positive way? Tell us about it.

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