Psychological interventions (like CBT) are one of the proven treatments that can help with long-term weight loss. We explained why they can help and how to get started with weight loss expert Dr. David Macklin on this episode of My Weight Live! Watch here:
The main takeaways from the episode:
1. There are three pillars to effectively treating obesity: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or psychological therapy, medication, and surgery. These treatments can help assist you in your weight management journey.
2. Obesity is considered a conferred, hereditary brain condition. In fact, Dr. Macklin explains that approximately 70% of someone’s risk of struggling with weight is passed down in our genes. It’s also affected by epigenetics – the effect of environmental influences on gene expression.
3. Obesity is treated in accordance with its symptoms. The central symptom of obesity is the desire, urge, and drive to eat. It is a reflexive, neurological event that requires treatment.
4. A person’s “best weight” refers to the weight one lands at when living the most modest, enjoyable lifestyle at an effort level that is sustainable long term. Finding your best weight is a component of behavioral therapy that helps to figure out the “how” and “why” to your weight struggles.
5. There are three common setbacks in weight management: the aftermath of an off track day, getting on the scale and seeing a ‘disappointing’ number, and seeing your reflection/photograph. These things lead to increased automatic thoughts that can be discouraging. However, they can be improved through cognitive restructuring – a CBT process that recognizes automatic thoughts and changes the way we respond to them.
To watch more episodes of My Weight Live, click here.
For many people, diet and exercise alone are not enough to reach a healthier weight. There are now safe and effective non-surgical medical treatments that have been proven to help people be successful over the long-run. Check out our physician locator to find a doctor near you who specializes in the medical treatment of weight.
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This episode was sponsored by Novo Nordisk Canada. It was created independently by My Weight – What To Know with no influence from Novo Nordisk.
