Psychology for Weight Loss
Finding a lasting solution to weight loss has proven challenging. Many commonly-used interventions lead to weight loss in the short term. Unfortunately, all approaches, including commercial diets, over-the-counter medications, supplements, pharmacology and surgical options have been plagued by high rates of weight regain.
The psychological approaches that currently have the best evidence base for weight loss are Behaviour Therapy (BT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Even with psychological therapies, the risk of weight regain remains, but these therapies are associated with longer lasting weight loss and improved quality of life. Recently there has been a shift away from using psychological therapy as a standalone treatment for weight loss. New approaches are to use psychological therapies such as CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) alongside a weight loss program of the individual’s choice. This approach means that psychology can be used specifically to address issues such as mood management, motivational processes and barriers to change, factors thought to be associated with increased risk of weight regain.
Psychology provides sensitive, non-judgemental assistance with factors that are known to improve long term weight management outcomes, including:
Identifying and addressing barriers to lifestyle change
Improving motivation
Strategies for managing mood
Identifying a reasonable weight loss goal
Strategies for better adherence to health related behaviours
Improved body image
Managing unhelpful thinking patterns
Improving social support
Improved coping strategies
Addressing eating behaviours like binge eating and emotional or stress related eating
Click here to find out how to make an appointment.
Finding a lasting solution to weight loss has proven challenging. Many commonly-used interventions lead to weight loss in the short term. Unfortunately, all approaches, including commercial diets, over-the-counter medications, supplements, pharmacology and surgical options have been plagued by high rates of weight regain.
The psychological approaches that currently have the best evidence base for weight loss are Behaviour Therapy (BT) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). Even with psychological therapies, the risk of weight regain remains, but these therapies are associated with longer lasting weight loss and improved quality of life. Recently there has been a shift away from using psychological therapy as a standalone treatment for weight loss. New approaches are to use psychological therapies such as CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) alongside a weight loss program of the individual’s choice. This approach means that psychology can be used specifically to address issues such as mood management, motivational processes and barriers to change, factors thought to be associated with increased risk of weight regain.
Psychology provides sensitive, non-judgemental assistance with factors that are known to improve long term weight management outcomes, including:
Identifying and addressing barriers to lifestyle change
Improving motivation
Strategies for managing mood
Identifying a reasonable weight loss goal
Strategies for better adherence to health related behaviours
Improved body image
Managing unhelpful thinking patterns
Improving social support
Improved coping strategies
Addressing eating behaviours like binge eating and emotional or stress related eating
Click here to find out how to make an appointment.