Psychological Treatment Attitude in Obesity

Many methods are used in the treatment of obesity. One of these methods, bariatric surgery, can help resolve psychological and emotional problems such as increased self-esteem. However, losing weight does not always mean that all problems will disappear. Before surgery, the patient should meet with a psychologist to prepare psychologically, gain awareness about surgical anxiety, adapt to the surgical process, and develop psychological readiness.

After obesity surgery, some psychological problems may develop during the diet process. Examples include:

• Patients may feel restricted and pressured because they are encouraged to eat small portions and low-calorie foods and must abandon their previous eating habits. This situation may trigger depression.
• Pre-existing eating disorders may reappear after the patient reaches their target weight. The inability to eat freely and constant self-restriction may lead to impulsive eating attacks, binge eating disorder, and night eating syndrome. This makes it difficult to achieve the desired outcomes of the surgery. These disorders are identified before surgery by our psychologist, and patients who need support are provided with psychological assistance after surgery to ensure long-term weight loss success.
• Due to the reduced emotional satisfaction from eating, patients may develop addictions such as alcohol, substances, or smoking as a substitute.
• Romantic and social relationships may also be affected after obesity surgery. With changes in body image, self-esteem and confidence may increase, improving relationships with close surroundings. However, sometimes a partner may not adapt to these changes, which can disrupt the balance in the relationship.
• Excessive weight loss may lead to skin sagging, which can sometimes cause depression.

One of the effective therapy approaches in obesity treatment is “cognitive behavioral therapy.” In this approach, it is believed that patients misinterpret environmental cues and sensations of hunger, leading to distressing emotions and subsequent eating behavior. Through cognitive restructuring techniques, dysfunctional thoughts related to eating and dieting, negative emotions, demotivating attitudes, and associated cognitive distortions can be identified. This helps individuals develop healthier and more rational thinking, feel better, and adopt more positive coping behaviors.

This approach can be applied to individuals with obesity through both individual and group therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively treat psychological disorders caused by obesity. In addition to this approach, our psychologist also uses behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based stress management techniques in treating psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders associated with obesity.