what happens to your weight when you start intuitive eating? (and why that's not the point)
“But what if I gain weight?”
It’s the question that practically every client whispers to me when we first start talking about Intuitive Eating. And honestly? I get it.
We’ve all been fed the lie (on repeat) that your worth, health, and success are tied to the number on the scale. So when someone says, “Let’s stop dieting,” your brain might short-circuit and scream, “Are you freakin’ kidding me?!”
Welcome to the emotional rollercoaster of unlearning diet culture.
Let’s talk about what really happens to your weight when you stop obsessing over food—and what actually matters.
what to expect: how your weight might change with Intuitive Eating
First, the boring (but honest) truth: your weight might go up, down, or stay the same.
No catchy promise. No guaranteed outcome. Because intuitive eating isn’t a weight-loss plan—it’s a healing process. And healing doesn’t come with a scale goal.
That said, here’s why your body might respond in different ways:
🔺 you might gain weight
If you've been chronically under-eating, “clean eating,” skipping carbs, or earning your food through workouts, your body has probably been in survival mode. When you finally start eating consistently and without rules, your body might say:
“Finally. She’s feeding me.”
This isn’t you doing something wrong. It’s your body doing something right. Gaining weight in this case often means you're repairing—replenishing what restriction stole from you.
🔻 you might lose weight
On the flip side, many people find that when food is no longer off-limits, they stop overeating or bingeing. When there’s no “Last Supper” mentality or food guilt triggering you, things naturally settle down.
You’re not “eating less” because of discipline. You’re just finally not at war with your plate.
⚖️ you might stay the same
Some people’s bodies are like: Cool, we’re good here. Once the drama dies down, your eating becomes more attuned, your energy levels stabilize, and your weight evens out.
No wild swings. No food obsession. Just... peace.
why weight isn’t the goal (even if you still secretly want it to be)
I know it’s hard to let go of the idea that a smaller body equals success. You’re not bad for wanting that. You’ve just been trained to believe it.
But here’s what Intuitive Eating really offers:
Food that actually satisfies you—without guilt
Freedom from the mental ping-pong of “Should I eat this?”
The ability to enjoy a birthday dinner without planning a 6-mile run
A calm mind that isn’t hijacked by calorie math 24/7
That’s the win.
Not a lower pant size. Not a perfectly tracked MyFitnessPal streak. Not hitting your “goal weight” and still feeling anxious AF.
but i’m still terrified of gaining weight—what do i do?
Let’s call it out: this fear isn’t irrational.
It’s been deeply planted in you by fitness apps, “wellness” influencers, and before-and-after posts that get 10x more likes than joy-filled bodies ever will.
But weight gain (or the fear of it) doesn’t mean Intuitive Eating is wrong.
It means you’re human in a culture that profits from your insecurity.
Your body isn’t the enemy.
Restriction is. Guilt is. Diet culture is.
Let’s not gaslight your fear—but let’s not hand it the keys either.
The Real Goal: Trust, Peace, and Food Freedom
This work is about learning to trust your body, not micromanage it.
It’s about waking up and not wondering what you weigh.
It’s about choosing meals that actually sound good—not just what fits into your macros.
It’s about moving your body because it feels damn good—not because you need to earn a cookie.
Your weight might change. But your worth? That stays steady.
