Mental Health

Mental health conditions can also have a significant impact on physical health and body size. For example, depression and anxiety can lead to overeating or poor food choices as a coping mechanism. Additionally, some medications used to treat mental health conditions can cause weight gain as a side effect.

In some cases, weight gain may be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, and binge eating disorder. Therefore, it is important to address any mental health concerns as part of an overall approach to physical health and wellbeing. This may also involve developing healthy coping mechanisms for managing stress and emotions without relying on food.

Changing your thinking or cognitive restructuring is also helpful, as it can help you recognize and change negative thoughts that may be hindering your progress. Additionally, it’s essential to develop cognitive flexibility by letting go of perfectionism and all-or-nothing thinking and instead focusing on progress and the process itself. Appealing to your deeper motivations is another effective strategy for making lasting changes. Using your personal preferences and values to guide your behavior may make you more likely to stick with healthy habits over the long term. Managing expectations is also key, as emphasizing the many health benefits associated with acquiring new health promoting behaviours, regardless of changes in your body size.

Understanding a patient’s unique story and life context is crucial to supporting obesity management. Obesity is a complex and chronic condition that requires individualized treatment to promote long-term health impact. It is also important to note that not all patients with obesity are ready to begin treatment, and they should not be pressured to do so.

Successful obesity management involves treating both the underlying causes of weight gain and the complications associated with obesity. While nutrition therapy is a foundation for chronic disease management, we understand that it should not be used in isolation; even with adequate nutrition, the brain’s mechanisms can promote weight gain by increasing hunger. Instead, we combine medical nutrition therapy with psychological, pharmacological, or surgical interventions that are tailored to meet individual life circumstances.

Success in obesity management should not be measured solely by the number on the scale but rather by achievable behavioral goals, improved health, function, and quality of life. By taking a holistic approach, the healthcare providers at SCULPTD Life help patients achieve long-term success in taking control of their health.