Psychological intervention is fundamental in the vast majority of patients that present Excess Weight and Obesity.
Numerous studies show that some psychological variables constitute risk factors for the development and/or maintenance of this problem, and some of them can constitute a disorder in and of itself.
Among the most common are:
◦Presence of anxiety and/or depression
◦Episodes of binge eating
◦Complicated mourning periods
◦Presence of stress factors: family, partner, work, etc.
◦Difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
◦Communication styles characterized by passivity and/or aggression.
◦Bad habits regarding proper eating behaviour.
◦Distorted sense of self-image, weight, and food.
We are faced with an aesthetic problem, and moreover, a health issue, one which manifests and persists because of genetic, psychological, and environmental reasons.
At the ServiDigest Medical Centre we follow this multi-causal framework.
Our Clinical Psychology and Health Service intervenes according to the cognitive-behavioural model, the effectiveness of which is scientifically supported. This methodological rigour is complement by our personalized treatment, knowing that there are no two patients with the same obesity.
Failure at numerous diets makes it evident that the introduction of different techniques is essential; their principle goals are the modification of eating habits to allow for greater acceptance to the treatment and a sea change in attitude regarding the patient’s own problem, the improvement of the patient’s thoughts as to his/her body, weight, and food.
This is in addition to developing positive emotional states and greater independence regarding others and one’s surroundings.
The goal is to develop protective factors that help us to fight the risk factors.
At ServiDigest Medical Centre, we teach our patients how to lose weight, adjusting their expectations so as not to cause them frustration. We know that this is only the initial treatment, and that the most important part, and perhaps an even greater challenge, is weight loss through the acquirement of new habits.
The Clinical Psychology and Health Service works in a coordinated and multidisciplinary fashion with the other medical services in order to promote this improvement in the short term, and consolidate it over the long term.
The techniques and procedures that make up the psychological intervention include:
◦Psycho-education of excess weight and obesity
◦Improvement in coping styles
◦Training in social skills
◦Assertive communication
◦Techniques for eliminating emotional eating and night-time eating syndrome
◦Relaxation and breathing techniques
◦Key control and re-education in eating habits
◦Cognitive restructuring
