Excess weight has become a common problem in today's society, extending far beyond aesthetic concerns and primarily impacting the health of the population.
Often, weight gain occurs due to pregnancy, a slower metabolism, or even illness. Additionally, the use of medications, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors make losing weight a difficult task to accomplish.
Therefore, when the goal is to lose weight healthily and effectively, the best advice is always to seek healthcare professionals – which also includes a visit to a behavioral psychologist.
For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy aims to understand why we behave the way we do and analyze patterns in our actions. With this, the psychologist can help understand the many cognitive factors that may motivate a person to gain weight, as well as assist in making the necessary changes to prevent this from happening.
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Barriers to Weight Loss
Usually, a person faces a series of challenges in losing weight. Among them are situational barriers, such as a job that requires attending many meetings or traveling, which disrupt maintaining a healthy diet.
There are also cognitive barriers, such as stress or depression, as well as social pressure, adverse effects of a weight loss diet, food cravings, among others.
Additionally, a person may stop exercising due to lack of energy, lack of support, or even due to demotivation or laziness.
In all these cases, the key to losing weight is changing behaviors and habits. This includes new ways of shopping, cooking, or practicing physical activities – something that can be proposed by a nutritionist and a personal trainer, and implemented with the help of a psychologist.
A Commitment to a New Lifestyle
Generally, weight loss is achieved by balancing exercise and eating habits. Both are controlled by our brains.
Throughout evolution, our species learned that "eating" means "surviving." Because of this, our ancestors tended to overeat as they did not know when they would be able to eat again. Today, we have food around us and widely accessible, through markets, restaurants, and even apps. This only increases our psychological impulse to overeat.
Simply giving in to our cravings will not help in a weight loss journey. Similarly, merely adopting a fad diet – without changing lifestyle – puts a person at high risk of failing to lose weight.
In the psychologist's office, you will learn more about words like responsibility, obsession, self-compassion, and impulse control. You will identify negative thoughts, change negative beliefs, and moods that prevent you from reaching your ideal weight. Additionally, you will learn how to overcome triggers that lead you to the refrigerator.
Over time, you will improve your mindset, acquire a new body image, and boost your self-esteem – differences that will provide health and well-being.
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The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or weight loss plan. Individual results may vary, and it is important to consider your own health needs and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program.