Obesity
What is Obesity?
​
Defining obesity is not a simple task. The more that is found out about obesity the more health care practitioners are realizing that obesity is a complex chronic condition with many causes. Some of the causes are from medications, biological, genetic, epidemic-genetic (really cool stuff happening here), psychological, social, and environmental. What is known now, is that obesity is more than just a matter of calories in equalling calories out.
​
To learn more about obesity click on the Health Choices First link below:
Health Outcomes for Individuals with Obesity
​
Obesity has been linked to many different medical and psychological concerns. Below is a brief list of some of the other conditions people with obesity may also experience:
​
-
Heart disease and stroke
-
High blood pressure
-
Diabetes
-
Cancer
-
Gallbladder disease and gallstones
-
Osteoarthritis
-
Gout
-
Breathing problems, such as sleep apnea (when a person stops breathing for a short time during sleep) and asthma
How Does Counselling Help With Obesity?
​
Obesity has many medical risks that go along with it, but the psychological effects are often overlooked. Individuals with obesity may feel discriminated against, or stigmatized, and maybe even be stereotypes. These experiences may lead to issues with self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
During counselling we discuss all of these emotions and discover ways to work through these feelings. Together we can find copings mechanisms that work for you and ways to maintain motivation while working towards a healthier lifestyle. Bernadette takes a gentle and compassionate approach when working with individuals with obesity.