Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, is used in Weight Loss Counseling and the treatment of obesity, with or without surgery.
There is no shortage of information on the incidence and prevalence of obesity in the United States.
- According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 34.9% of the population 20 years or older is obese. [Read abstract Journal of American Medicine (JAMA)
] - Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, some of the leading causes of preventable death. [Read guidelines]
- The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the U.S. was $147 billion in 2008 U.S. dollars; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. [Read summary]
How is obesity measured?
- The most common measurement is the Body Mass Index which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women.
- Use this link to calculate your BMI. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/BMI/bmicalc.htm
Therapy begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s risk factors for weight gain.
Most people who are overweight know exactly what they need to do – eat healthily, exercise, get plenty of rest, etc. Knowledge is not the issue nor the answer to permanent weight loss. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps the individual identify the triggers for overeating, accompanying thoughts and emotions, and eating behaviors. A specific treatment plan for each patient is developed based on the results of the assessment. Therapy focuses on sound principles of behavior change, problem-solving, and positive reinforcement as changes are made to meet the individual’s progress.
Resources: The Beck Diet Solution