Obesity Therapy - Brad Nowlin

What are the risks associated with obesity?

Obesity was the second leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. in 2000, second only to tobacco
Obesity is consistently linked to severe medical problems including: heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, Type II diabetes, many types of cancer, arthritis, complications during pregnancy, and sleep apnea
Overweight and obesity are often associated with emotional and psychological conditions: shame, guilt, social embarrassment, relationship difficulties, poor body image, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety
As many as 30% of overweight individuals seeking treatment for weight loss also have Binge Eating Disorder (BED). BED is a psychological condition characterized by:

Consumption of an objectively large amount of food in one sitting
Feeling a loss of control during the binge
Eating more rapidly than normal
Eating large amounts when not hungry and until comfortably full
Eating alone due to embarrassment
Feelings of disgust, sadness, and guilt after bingeing

Individuals with Binge Eating Disorders are more likely to be depressed, and they are less likely to be helped by traditional weight loss programs.

What can I do about my weight? How effective are weight loss treatments?

A 10% reduction in weight generally produces significant physical and psychological health benefits
There are numerous self-help books, popular diet programs, support groups, and specialized treatment programs available for weight loss. Americans spend more than $33 billion per year on weight loss products and services, and most Americans have attempted at least one diet.
While many programs are successful in bringing about weight loss, most individuals have had the experience of quickly regaining the lost weight once the program/diet is terminated. In fact, research has shown that most individuals regain most or all of the weight lost within three years of traditional weight loss programs or diet plans.
Cognitive-behavioral treatment is considered the most effective treatment approach for weight loss/maintenance. Research has shown that cognitive-behavioral treatment is especially effective when it includes education on nutrition and increasing physical activity.

What is cognitive-behavioral treatment for weight loss?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a scientifically-based program developed after years of research on the most effective approaches to weight loss. Cognitive-behavioral treatment for weight loss/maintenance consists of three basic stages:

Changing eating behaviors
Challenging cognitions, or the psychological patterns and dysfunctional thinking that gets in the way of healthy eating
Long-term maintenance of weight loss

Phase 1: Eating behaviors

Learning to recognize and adjust destructive eating patterns
Gaining control over binges
Education about nutritional needs and hunger
Identifying alternatives to social and emotional eatingStarting a manageable exercise program
Restricting calories for steady and healthy weight loss

Phase 2: Cognitions

Identifying cognitive distortions
Adjusting thinking to promote success rather than shame and hopelessness
Reducing depression and anxiety
Increasing social support and improving existing relationships
Learning stress management skills
Improving body image and self-confidence

Phase 3: Maintenance

Development of individualized weight management plans
Prevention of weight regain
Maintaining motivation for a healthy lifestyle
Strengthening coping skills for challenging situations and future setbacks

What about Atkins, South Beach, etc?

The short- and long-term safety of low-carbohydrate diets is questionable, and these diets are difficult to stick with for long periods of time
Recent research found that low-carb diets are no more effective than low-fat, low-calorie plans for initial weight loss, but individuals who followed a low-carb diet gained back more weight over time

What should I do next?

Mindy Staum, LCSW offers both individual and group treatments for weight loss and binge eating disorder. If you would like further information about cognitive-behavioral treatment, please call Mindy Staum, LCSW 732-580-8383

Recommended Reading:

The Beck Diet Solution: Train Your Brain to Think Like a Thin Person

To download more information on obesity and weight control please click on the chapters below:

Handbook of Obesity Treatment*

-Edited by Thomas A. Wadden and Albert J. Stunkard

Body Image: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice*

-Edited by Thomas F. Cash and Thomas Pruzinsky

Or link to a wide range of resources below:

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