One of the most
overlooked reasons people struggle with weight loss has nothing to do with their workout plan, their diet, or even their genetics…
It’s the comparison trap.
You know the one...
You see someone the same age
on Facebook celebrating their success...
Your progress suddenly feels… small. Inadequate. Not enough.
But here’s the kicker...
A study published in Obesity (2012) found those who frequently compared themselves to others during a
weight loss program lost significantly less weight than those who didn’t.
Wow! And get this...
They were following the same program, but the ones caught in comparison mode saw slower results.
Why?
Because “upward social comparison” (comparing yourself to someone who seems ahead of you) increases feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and low self-worth.
And that mindset wrecks consistency, which is exactly what gets you results.
In short: comparison isn’t motivating. It’s demotivating.
Two Simple Ways to Break the Comparison Cycle
1. Track Your Wins Every Week
Set a reminder each week to write down 3 wins. Could be
big or small:
- Said no to mindless snacking
This keeps the focus where it belongs - on
YOUR journey, not someone else’s highlight reel.
2. Edit Your Social Feed
Mute, unfollow, or take a break from any accounts that make you feel “less than.”
Instead, follow people who make you laugh, teach you something,
or encourage real progress - not perfection.
You’re not behind. You’re not broken.
You’re just human, and humans thrive with compassion, not comparison.
Have a great weekend,
Mikey