The application of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in obesity treatment

Overweight problems can also be treated psychologically.

The Cognitive-Behavioral Therapytogether with a correct physical training plan and an appropriate diet plan, is shown to be a very effective alternative for weight loss.

Therefore, and contrary to what many individuals think, the training of overweight and obese people requires not only the intervention in the technical aspects related to training and nutrition, but the achievement of the objectives and, above all, the maintenance of the results, will also depend on the correct management of emotions, customs and habits, beliefs and motivation..

The multifactorial and chronic nature of obesity requires a multidisciplinary program.

There are many causes of obesity. Its multifactorial and chronic nature, which, in many cases, is accompanied by comorbidity comorbidityIt is not necessary to pretend a quick and definitive solution for this problem. No one can doubt the importance of a physical training plan and an adequate dietary plan, but it is necessary to pay attention to the psychological component. it is necessary to pay attention to the psychological componentIn many occasions, Eating Disorders (ED), anxiety disorders or mood disorders such as depression, among other pathologies, can be associated.

Therefore, such a varied and complex context requires a treatment that should prioritize a multidisciplinary program, rather than separate solutions..

Obesity causes serious health problems.

Many of the individuals who seek a solution to the problem of obesity are motivated by a image changeThey are not concerned about their own health problems. On many occasions, they think that with a proper diet and a physical exercise routine to lose weight, the problem will be solved, avoiding other areas of their life that are just as important.

When "losing kilos" is approached more as an image problem and the treatment is directed in this direction, this biased vision allows avoiding the modification of life and behavioral habits, which are the ones that in the end will bring long-term benefits. Scientific studies indicate that, in these cases, only between 20% and 30% of patients with obesity manage to maintain the results achieved in the long term.. Worse still, during the first year, 30% of people who have undergone a plan to reduce obesity regain the weight they lost, and more than 50% gain more weight than they had initially gained after 3-5 years.

Group and individual psychotherapy, both useful for the treatment of obesity.

The therapeutic approach can be applied both in groups and individually, although each approach should be carried out in different situations.

The group therapy will be useful for communication of experiences and for educating the patient, as providing knowledge about the importance of prioritizing health over aesthetics is helpful in maintaining long-term results. Individualized therapy is necessary in cases where the patient must receive treatment for issues such as body image perception, self-esteem, impulsivity, problem-solving style or mood disorders.

Motivation and psychoeducation to prepare the patient for therapy.

Scientific data support the theory support the theory that psychological treatment combined with diet and exercise programs leads to better results.. The problem arises because many still think that exercise and nutrition programs will be enough to achieve success. Therefore, there are two key elements in this process, and they are very much interrelated: motivation, motivation, and motivation. motivation and psychoeducation.

The importance of motivation

The motivation is a key aspect of achieving success in any kind of task, and is a necessary prerequisite when attending group therapy for the treatment of obesity. As already discussed, the main goal of many individuals remains physical achievement, as the admonition of doctors to lose weight (because it causes health problems) is often shown to be ineffective.

For many, participating in a psychotherapy group is not in their initial approach. And despite the fact that psychotherapy is effective in overcoming many problems, including obesity, In many cases the person who needs help is not aware that he or she has a problem, avoids facing reality or has false beliefs about what psychotherapy is. psychotherapy is.

It is important, therefore, and in order to keep patients motivated, that they value the benefits not only on a physical level, but on a general level. Having high expectations due to misinformation is a source of dissatisfaction that can lead to failure and disinterest in following the treatment, due to feelings of frustration and demotivation. In addition, this has a negative effect on self-confidence, which is necessary to successfully achieve the goals set..

One way of solving this problem can be the motivational interviewingpsychoeducation, a client-centered, directive style of interaction aimed at helping people and encouraging them to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the harmful habits that cause overweight and obesity, in order to bring about positive change.

Psychoeducation is a key element to achieve long-term results.

A psychoeducational program is necessary for the correct development of motivation, both in the short term and for the maintenance of the results obtained. It is quite common that people with obesity have already tried diets and training plans without achieving the desired results in the past, and they often have excessive but inadequate information about nutrition or physical exercise.

In many occasions, they often have "infoxication" due to the culture of aesthetics. They think that the results will come quickly and have unrealistic thoughts about weight changes, as a result of their irrational beliefs.. In a culture that values image as one of the keys to personal success and social acceptance, this is not surprising.

Therefore, in order to avoid inappropriate thoughts and expectations, the patient should attend psychotherapy sessions, the patient should attend psychoeducational sessions, in order to gain knowledge about nutrition, the influence of emotions on behavior, or physical exercise and health. or physical exercise and health.

The application of individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy programs

In many occasions, people with obesity suffer comorbidity with certain psychological disorders that can interfere in the evolution and treatment of the program and, therefore, it is necessary to detect them. For example, the presence of Eating Disorders (e.g., binge eating disorder), night eating syndrome or depression is common. This requires an individualized treatment from the beginning of the program to ensure the correct adherence to the treatment and the achievement of the set goals..

Other types of problems, such as low self-esteem, impulsivity or negative problem-solving styles, may also require individualized therapy. For this purpose, different cognitive-behavioral techniques are usually used.

These are the most common:

• Self-monitoring techniques.Self-observation, record sheets, setting realistic goals or stimulus control are techniques that have proven to be effective in this area.
• Cognitive RestructuringCognitive restructuring programs by Aaron Beck, Albert Ellis or other authors can help the patient to become aware of his or her own emotions or thoughts in the face of different problematic situations, as well as to detect irrational thoughts and replace them with more adaptive ideas or beliefs.
• Foci of workWorking on self-esteem, self-efficacy beliefs, perception of body image, reinforcement of achievements is beneficial for the treatment of obesity.
• Development of coping skillsIt is positive for the patient to acquire knowledge about alternative behaviors instead of eating, social skills training, assertiveness or stress management strategies.
• Re-evaluation and FeedbackEspecially useful for the follow-up and evolution of the changes produced.

Psychological tricks to lose weight

You may be interested to take a look at this article:

"10 psychological tricks to lose weight". Bibliographic references:

• Lafuente, M.D., (2011) Eating Disorders 14. 1490-1504.
• Wing, R.R., Phelan, S., (2005) Long-term Weight loss maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 82 Suppl 1: 222-225.