Obesity is a common health problem in the United States, affecting approximately 70% of adults, and the number keeps growing annually. Due to the rapid rise in numbers of obese individuals, it is becoming evident that traditional approaches such as diet and exercise are not cutting it. Being overweight can cause aesthetic problems that affect your mental health, including anxiety and depression. Health experts recommend Ashburn weight-loss counseling to help patients get to the core of this problem. Here is more about weight-loss counseling or therapy.
What is weight-loss counseling?
Weight loss counseling is an obesity treatment approach that helps people become more aware of their lifestyle and how it impacts their health. The treatment aims to change and challenge negative cognitions that result in unhealthy behaviors. Unlike traditional approaches which target the outcome of unhealthy habits, weight-loss counseling addresses the root cause of the problem and uses intervention to fix poor habits.
Treatment involves working with a therapist, which could be one-on-one or a group session. During these sessions, learn how your lifestyle affects your weight and how you can change that. Your specialist may guide you through different things, such as setting realistic goals, creating a workout plan, changing your eating pattern, and increasing your activity level. These changes can help you lose extra pounds and, more importantly, maintain a healthy body mass index.
When would I need weight-loss counseling?
Weight loss counseling is beneficial for any obese individual as it seeks to address the core of your condition, which is your everyday habits. Your healthcare provider may recommend weight loss therapy if you have challenges making lifestyle changes independently. Over time, patients develop healthy lifestyle habits which help them lose weight and maintain a healthy body mass index. Besides improving your physical appearance, this treatment enables you to reduce the risk of obesity complications such as diabetes.
What does a weight counseling session look like?
A counseling session usually involves multiple parts, and your program may focus on one aspect than the other depending on your needs. Specialists tailor programs to meet the individual requirements since everyone has varying needs. Your program details may include:
- Screening
Your therapist may screen you for signs of depression since this mental disorder often goes hand-in-hand with obesity.
- Implementing small changes
Specialists use behavioral therapy to help you learn and make small changes in your everyday life. For example, you may need to eat small portions instead of one wholesome share. Minor changes are significant since they don’t give you pressure and allow you to implement them for a longer time. Dramatic changes may be helpful for a limited period until you are back to your old habits.
- Self-monitoring
As a patient, you need to be accountable for your daily behavior. Tracking down what and when you eat can help you and your therapist establish whether you are making progress. Keeping a fitness journal for several months can also be helpful in your weight-loss journey.
Most people require professional help to lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. If you are obese, reserve a session with your therapist at Nova Physician Wellness Center for weight-loss counseling to be the best version of yourself.
