Many of us have tried to lose weight and failed time and time again. Sure, we may drop a few pounds here and there, but mysteriously we gain them back, plus some. On a conscious level, we may blame it on a sweet tooth or lack of exercise; but there may be something going on at a deeper level that is really holding us back - FEAR.

Hidden anxieties around weight loss are very real and can keep us "stuck" for years. They include fear of wanted or unwanted attention from the opposite sex, fear of losing friends that we used to eat with, fear of being viewed as selfish, or even fear that others will have greater expectations of us when we get thin. It doesn't matter whether we have 100, 50 or even 20 lbs. of excess weight on our body, it can be used as protection from the outside world.

So what can you do to overcome this stumbling block? The first thing is to recognize where your fear is really coming from. If you find that you are repeatedly sabotaging your efforts, sit quietly and focus your attention inward. When you feel peaceful and calm, ask yourself this question, "What am I afraid of?" Several thoughts will start to come to the surface. Don't dismiss or discount anything even if you think it is trivial and not related. Allow your mind to keep digging deeper.

When you have completed a thorough examination, write down the thoughts that came up for you. Can you see any patterns developing? Were there any surprises? Be gentle on yourself as you discover your inner truth. Always look at yourself through loving eyes; stay free from judgment or attachment.

Once you have pinpointed the cause of your fear, ask yourself, "Is my fear justified?" Whether it is or not, talk about it by expressing your concerns to a trusted friend, family member or professional. Be sure it is discussed in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. You will be more apt to see the truth. Once you know the truth, it doesn't seem as scary anymore and you are able to confront and resolve your anxieties. This will free you from turning to food for comfort.

Bronwyn Marmo is a Bestselling and Award-Winning Author, Speaker, and Success Coach. She is the Associate Producer and one of the featured experts in the wildly successful documentary film, The Inner Weigh^TM.