Weight loss is not just about the calories – it’s intrinsically connected to our psychology, our emotions, and our beliefs. Mental health and obesity are related in complex ways and have been shown to affect one other. For instance, people with anxiety or depression are more likely to be overweight, and people with obesity are more likely to experience depression.

There are several psychological reasons why many people cannot lose weight - these include:

• Emotional eating

• Mindless eating

• Lack self confidence

• Irrational beliefs about weight loss

• Lack of motivation

• Unrealistic beauty standards

• Negative body image
  

The key to weight loss maintenance is making a range of behavioural and lifestyle changes that counteract deeply ingrained, lifelong habits. Psychologists can help patients address these obstacles to weight loss, identify positive ways to change these unhealthy habits, and develop new skills and ways of thinking.

Our in-house psychologist Rachel has a special interest in disordered eating, anxiety depression and weight-related concerns. She is skilled at supporting people undergoing bariatric surgery.

Rachel is a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi), an Associate Member of the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS), a Gold level Approved Practitioner with the Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour (ACFEB), and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Rachel utilises evidence-based treatments, including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

• Schema Therapy

• Solution Focussed Therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

She prides herself on providing a supportive and empathetic therapeutic environment to help clients develop skills to deal with their struggles and embrace the life they want to live.

Book an appointment to see Rachel now.