Weight gain is a primary health concern for adult men and women in the UK. In 2007, the majority of adults in the UK (65% of men and 56% of women) were classed as being overweight or obese (1), and the numbers continue to rise. Even more of a concern is the fact that nearly 20% of children aged 2-15 are now also classed as obese (1). We all know that being overweight has negative implications for our physical health in terms of increasing our risk of developing a range of conditions such as cancer, heart disease and stroke (1), but being overweight also has a detrimental effect on our mental health (2)  and our personal and professional relationships (3).

Commonly, people use diet as the primary way to lose weight, but for reasons which are many and varied, this approach alone is frequently unsuccessful in the long term. Significant weight gain is a complex issue and may be more effectively treated using a properly targeted program integrating strategies which address the psychological, social and physical factors in weight gain. We all know that if we eat less we will eventually weigh less, but the key question for most people struggling with long term weight gain is not what do you eat or how much do you eat but why do you eat it? The vast majority of people know exactly what foods are bad for them, why they continue to eat them and how to stop are the key issues in maintaining a healthy weight throughout life.

At the Centre for Integrated Therapies, we take achieving and maintaining weight loss very seriously and believe that it is necessary to treat all the factors relevant to the weight gain in an individual if that person is to maintain a healthy weight long term. Following a thorough initial assessment we would tailor a program which may include psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, dietary modifications, herbal support and a personalised exercise program to address the factors impacting upon that individual. The emphasis placed on different treatments would vary from person to person depending on their specific needs and underlying conditions. Progress is monitored closely and the program adjusted over time as necessary. We are able to work with children and adults individually, as well as family groups.

To make an appointment for a initial weight loss consultation and to discuss the best way to tailor a program which meets your individual needs, contact us at the clinic on 01225 316670 or at mail@centreforintegratedtherapies.com.  

 

 

1. 'Health Survey for England 2007'. The Information Centre for Health and Social Care, 2008. www.ics.nhs.uk/pubs/hse07healthylifestyles

2. Roberts, R. E. et al. Prospective association between obesity and depression: evidence from the Alameda County Study. International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders, Vol. 27, April 2003, pp. 514-21.

3. 'Obesity Stigma: Important considerations for public health'. Puhl, R. M. and Heuer, C. A., American Journal of Public Health. Published online ahead of print, 14/01/2010.