The Application Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy In The Treatment Of Obesity
The Cognitive-Behavioral Therapytogether with a correct physical training plan and an appropriate dietary plan, is shown to be a very effective alternative in weight loss.
Therefore, and contrary to what many individuals think, the training of overweight and obese people requires not only intervention in the technical aspects related to training and nutrition, but also the fulfillment of the objectives and, above all, the maintenance of the results, It will also depend on the correct management of emotions, customs and habits, beliefs or motivation..
The multifactorial and chronic nature of obesity requires a multidisciplinary program
There are many causes that cause obesity. Its multifactorial and chronic nature, which is often accompanied by comorbidityforce us not to seek a quick and definitive solution to this problem. No one can doubt the importance of a physical training plan and a proper diet plan, but it is necessary to pay attention to the psychological componentsince in many cases Eating Disorders (ED), anxiety disorders or mood disorders such as depression, among other pathologies, can be associated.
Therefore, this varied and complex context requires a treatment in which a multidisciplinary program must be prioritized, rather than separate solutions.
Many of the individuals who seek a solution to the problem of obesity are motivated by a makeoverleaving aside the problems for their own health. On many occasions, they think that with an adequate 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 us to avoid modifying lifestyle and behavioral habits, which are the ones that will ultimately 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.. But worse still, during the first year, 30% of people who have undergone a plan to reduce obesity regain the lost weight, and more than 50% gain more weight than they initially did after 3-5 years.
Group and individual psychotherapy, both useful for the treatment of obesity
The therapeutic approach can be applied both in a group and individually, although each approach must be carried out in different situations.
The group therapy It will be useful for communicating experiences and educating the patient, since providing knowledge about the importance of prioritizing health over aesthetics is useful for 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
The scientific data support the theory that psychological treatment combined with diet and exercise programs provides 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 these are very interrelated: the motivation and the psychoeducation.
The importance of motivation
The motivation It is a key aspect to achieve success in any type of task, and it is a necessary prerequisite when attending group therapy for the treatment of obesity. As already mentioned, the main objective of many individuals continues to be physical achievements, since doctors’ warnings to lose weight (because it causes health problems) usually prove ineffective.
For many, participating in a psychotherapy group is not in their initial plans. And although psychotherapy is effective in overcoming many problems, including obesity, On many occasions the person who needs help is not aware that they have the problem, avoids facing reality or has false beliefs about what the problem is. psychotherapy.
It is important, therefore, and 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 cause failure and disinterest in following treatment, due to feelings of frustration and demotivation. Besides, This negatively affects one’s own self-confidence, which is necessary to successfully overcome the set objectives..
One way to solve this problem may be to motivational interviewa style of directive, client-centered 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 changes.
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 usually have excessive but inadequate information about diet or physical exercise.
On many occasions, they tend to have “infoxication” due to the culture of aesthetics. They think that the results will come quickly and have thoughts about unrealistic weight changes, the result of their irrational beliefs.. In a culture that values image as one of the keys to personal success and social acceptance, it is not surprising that this is the case.
Therefore, and to avoid inappropriate thoughts and expectations, The patient must attend psychoeducational sessions, in order to have knowledge about food, the influence of emotions on behavior or physical exercise and health.
The application of individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy programs
On many occasions, people with obesity suffer comorbidity with certain psychological disorders that can interfere with the evolution and treatment of the program and, therefore, it is necessary to detect them. For example, the presence of Eating Disorders (for example, binge eating disorder), night eating syndrome or depression is common. This requires individualized treatment from the beginning of the program to ensure correct adherence to treatment and achievement of the set objectives.
Other types of problems, such as low self-esteem, impulsivity or negative problem-solving styles, may also require individualized therapy. To do this, different cognitive-behavioral techniques are usually used.
These are the most common:
Psychological tricks to lose weight
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