Although many do not know, the treatment of obesity also has a very relevant psychological component, in which therapy can be of great help.
Obesity is a health problem caused by a number of factors that can be physical, genetic, psychological and environmental, as well as aesthetic problems, according to WHO, obesity has dangerous health consequences, including cardiovascular problems, movement disorders and certain types of diseases. (liver, gallbladder, kidneys and intestines).
- In recent years psychology has become very important in the treatment of obesity.
- Psychologists work with overweight and obese people to learn a number of tools that allow them to lose weight or maintain the changes achieved through obesity surgery.
In this article we will discuss the various factors associated with overweight, emphasizing those of a psychological nature, and dedicate a space to highlight the importance and characteristics of psychotherapy in the treatment of obesity.
Obesity is a multifactorial disease: its origin and survival are due to different causes or variables, then we will give a quick review to the main variables and factors associated with obesity and overweight.
The debate over the influence of genetics on obesity is quite controversial; In fact, the number of cases of obesity on genetic grounds is very low. While it is true that there are genetic syndromes that are obese or overweight in their characteristics, about 90% of obesity cases are detected in people without these syndromes.
Thyroid problems or other hormonal problems are also often a “belief” about the cause of obesity. Most people who start gaining weight look for endocrine or metabolic causes that explain this weight gain, but fail in these attempts.
Although some genes and physical causes related to obesity have been identified, these genes are responsible for a few cases, many cases of obesity are attributed a genetic origin, as parents and family members are usually also obese, but this happens, in many cases, because of the shared environment, learned eating habits and attitude towards food and the body , and not for genetic reasons.
“A healthy body is a refuge for the soul, a sick body, a prison?. ?Francis Bacon?”
Emotions are the psychological elements most associated with obesity and overweight. A person’s emotional state is directly and indirectly related to appetite, eating behavior, and preferences when choosing food.
Emotions directly influence our appetite. Depending on the person, a certain emotion, such as sadness or joy, can increase or decrease appetite, the effect is individual and depends on each one. There are people who when anxious tend to eat more, and there are others where the stomach “closes”. They are direct effects of emotional activation and its physical manifestations.
Indirectly, emotions are associated with a predisposition to ingest certain types of food, for example, stress at work causes the person to eat less, the problem is that there are few processed foods and high caloric value A positive and relaxed mood encourages us to eat slower and more.
On the other hand, there are a large number of overweight and obese people who use food as an emotional control strategy, in these cases in the face of frustration, boredom or anxiety the person eats and at that moment feels better, more relieved And thus, a strong conditioning is created between eating and reducing discomfort. Most of the time, guilt and repentance appear later.
In recent years, the idea that there is “food addiction” has become popular. It is a very controversial issue and on which the psychological and scientific community does not yet have a common opinion. In other words, the surveys present different conclusions and data that support them, both for and against the existence of this addiction.
Following this line, food and diet activate the same pathways of brain strengthening as psychoactive substances, such as alcohol and other drugs, in addition to gambling, with this in mind, it can be said that there is a food addiction, because some foods are very powerful positive primary boosters.
One of the most important psychological variables is what we commonly call “personal habits” and what psychologists call “behavioral habits. “All habits related to daily routine, diet and eating behavior are variables that predispose or condition obesity and overweight, and are also the leading cause of weight recovery after bariatric surgery or after a successful diet.
The most common habits that cause obesity and overweight are lack of exercise and automatic food intake (without having a balanced mind when eating). In this group of habits, you also choose foods according to time and mental state, performing other activities while eating, spending many hours without eating, among others. Therefore, it is essential to educate our children from an early age, so that they acquire healthy eating habits that protect them from obesity.
Environmental variables are more important because environmental influence is a key component of obesity and overweight, the environment in which we find ourselves greatly influences the amount of food we eat, for example, eating together is associated with eating more.
The type and schedule of work we have is also related to eating more or less, people who have night shifts or rotation shifts are more likely to experience eating problems (anorexia, bulimia, obesity). Changes in working hours and night work are related to sleep disturbances, changes in circadian rhythm (or internal clock). This causes the person not to rest properly, the emotional state tends to become negative and the adjustment of eating behavior (overeating or not enough) is used as a means of regulation. the emotional situation.
Psychological therapy in the treatment of obesity and overweight is essential for the success of any diet, surgical intervention and for its results to be maintained over time, since the psychologist evaluates in depth the eating behavior, its context and the factors that influence it, psychological intervention is important.
Psychological treatment always depends on the specific needs of each patient, in general all eating habits are covered, first a detailed assessment of all psychological factors related to food is necessary, the results of the psychological assessment will determine what should be done in therapy.
The psychologist is a health care professional who specializes in behaviors, emotions and thoughts, is the best person to help you change your unhealthy habits and learn how to manage your emotions in a positive way that benefits your self-esteem.
Obesity treatment will not be complete if there is no psychological therapy in the program, when only overweight is addressed, the person loses weight and is very motivating, gives a lot of personal strength to the individual and improves their self-esteem. The problem is still there: the emotional role of eating and bad eating habits.
“Health and joy are born together and naturally. “Joseph Addison?
If you don’t re-educate your eating habits and learn to deal with stress and emotions, you’ll over time return to your old ways. Your relationship with food hasn’t changed, you’ll just lose weight. If your life system doesn’t change, your relationship to food and your eating behavior will likely gain a lot of weight in no time.
In this sense, it is essential to understand obesity as a health problem in which psychological variables play a very important role, understanding obesity as more than being overweight opens the door to improving the quality of life of those with this health problem. This problem should be motivated to undergo obesity-specific psychological therapy, thus reducing the stigma that may be associated with a psychologist’s appointment.