Can a Therapist Help Me Lose Weight?
There are many reasons why someone may gain weight besides eating unhealthy foods or not exercising enough. Emotions play a big role in how much weight you gain.
Researchers know that there are strong connections between the gut and the brain. Many people overeat because they are:
- stressed,
- anxious,
- depressed, or
- feeling other negative emotions.
Although people don't think of a therapist's office as their first stop for weight loss, seeing a mental or behavioral health therapist can actually help you lose weight in the long-term. That's because a therapist can help you recognize and control when you're overeating because of stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions.
Learn to Avoid Overeating Triggers
Working with a trained behavioral health specialist can help you address some of these emotional issues that affect your eating habits (also called triggers). Our behavioral health specialists can also help you figure out your triggers for:
- overeating,
- binge eating, and
- eating unhealthy foods.
Learning to manage your emotions in a healthy way can help you lose weight and keep it off. It can also improve your mood, overall confidence, and well-being.
Therapies We Offer
We offer individual (one-on-one) therapy where you can get direct counseling from a behavioral health therapist.
We also offer group therapy where you can get support from other people who are dealing with emotional overeating.
Find a Location
Utah Diabetes Center
615 Arapeen Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
University of Utah Hospital
50 N. Medical Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84132
Sugar House Health Center
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
How Does Behavioral Health Therapy Work?
Emotions aren鈥檛 a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people struggle with depression because of family or relationship issues. Other people have severe anxiety from their jobs.
We offer different types of therapy that teach you healthy coping techniques for your unique emotional situation. Our therapists also develop techniques that help you meet your personal goals.
If you overeat when you feel anxious (for example), our therapists can develop techniques to help you recognize when you鈥檙e overeating for these reasons. If you eat sugary or fatty foods when you鈥檙e depressed, our therapists can help you find healthier ways to manage your emotions.
If you can recognize how your habits and stressors affect what you eat, you鈥檙e more likely to keep weight off in the long-term.
Resources for Our Patients
Meet the Team
Our comprehensive weight management team is here to help you successfully lose weight and support you in your weight loss journey. We can provide all the care you need, from surgeons and physician assistants to dietitians and even financial advocates.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Why Is It So Hard to Lose Weight?
How much you weigh is controlled by complex interactions between hormones and neurons in your hypothalamus. For most overweight people, their body tries to prevent permanent weight loss. This means your body is actually working against you to lose weight.
How Many Meals Should I Be Eating Each Day to Lose Weight?
Looking to lose some weight? You've probably heard that eating five small meals a day is the secret. What does the research suggest? A registered dietitian clears up the confusion about how many meals you should eat.
