Holistic Weight Loss Treatment in Washington, DC

Wait! Before you read on, you'll notice weight loss has a strike through it. There's a reason... The term "weight loss" implies we set a goal based on a number on the scale. I don't think that's the best approach. Instead, we'll work together to create a healthy, fit, balanced life physically and mentally.

Integrative psychiatry for
weight loss means creating a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and fitness.

We'll treat you as a whole-person, find solutions that work, and set you up for long-term success.

Weight Loss Treatment with The Proactive Approach℠

Holistic Interventions

Weight loss is best treated with a comprehensive and holistic plan that includes nutritional support, exercise planning, supplements, therapy, coaching, occasionally medication when appropriate, and more. You will be viewed as whole person, not as a number on the scale, calorie count, or statistic.

Genetic
& Biological Testing

How we process food, nutrients, and medication are significant pieces of the puzzle for weight loss. Taking into consideration the biological components is important in order to lose weight and keep it off. By using supportive measures in tandem with healthy lifestyle changes we will foster long-term success.

Psychotherapy
& Coaching Support

Achieving healthy physical wellness can be an emotional challenge. Talk therapy and coaching are critical elements of treatment that provide support and help to manage stressors. Through therapy and coaching, we will establish new routines, learn new behaviors, and build a healthy lifestyle. You will never be alone on your weight loss journey.

Simple Treatment Plans

Complex diet and exercise plans are overwhelming, hard to follow, and promote unhealthy weight cycling. We will select weight loss solutions that are tailored to you, methodically developed, and implemented in a healthy way. Evidence-based treatments can be simple, effective, and long lasting. Together we will devise realistic plans that promote a healthy, balanced life.

FAQs about Weight Loss

How can integrative psychiatry help with weight loss?

Integrative psychiatry provides a holistic approach to support healthy weight loss. It is important to remember the connection between body and mind. Our goal is to create a healthy, balanced view of food, physical activity, and body image. Weight loss should be the byproduct of a healthy life, not the primary focus.

Here are just a few ways integrative psychiatry can be used for weight loss:

1. Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on changing patterns of behavior. This can help people struggling with weight loss to identify triggers for overeating or unhealthy eating habits, and work with them to develop strategies to change these behaviors. They can also help people set realistic goals for weight loss and develop plans to achieve those goals.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is another form of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Here we can use ACT to help people struggling with weight loss identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, their bodies, and food. ACT can help people develop more positive and realistic attitudes toward food and their bodies, which can make it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan.

3. Medications: As a rule of thumb, this is not a first-line option as there are side effects and risks taking any medication. However, there are a number of medications that we can prescribe to help with weight loss. These medications work by suppressing appetite or increasing metabolism. If used, medications should always be used in combination with lifestyle changes such as healthy eating and exercise, and should be monitored closely by a provider.

4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness and meditation practices can help us become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. This awareness can help people identify triggers or unhealthy eating habits, and develop strategies to manage them. Meditation and mindfulness practices can also help reduce stress, which can be a contributing factor to stress and can effector metabolic processes.

Overall, integrative psychiatry can be a valuable tool in supporting weight loss efforts. By approaching things from a holistic perspective, we are empowered to address psychological and emotional factors that contribute to overeating or unhealthy eating habits, we can work to develop healthy habits to achieve a healthy weight.

How are weight loss and body image related?

Weight and body image are often closely related, as the way a person perceives their body can be influenced by their weight and vice versa. This is why it is so important to have a holistic approach to weight loss that includes therapy to address any potential body image concerns.

If someone is unhappy with their weight, they may feel negatively about their body image and may experience low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. On the other hand, if someone has a negative body image, they may be more likely to engage in unhealthy weight loss behaviors or develop an unhealthy relationship with food, exercise, or their environment.

It's important to note that weight is not the only factor that influences body image. Other factors can include cultural and societal norms, personal experiences, and mental health issues. It's also important to focus on overall health and well-being rather than just weight, as weight is not always an accurate indicator of health.

Creating a healthy lifestyle through quality nutrition, physical activity, and balanced routines improves our self-confidence and bolsters the way we feel about our bodies. A healthy lifestyle does not seek weight loss as a function of a number on the scale. Instead, weight loss is seen as a byproduct of living a healthy life.

Medications for both weight loss and body image should be used very conservatively and any one receiving medication for weight loss or body image struggles should also be receiving therapy and other non-medication treatments.

Integrative psychiatry provides us a space where healthy living can improve our mental wellness while also improving our physical wellness because with integrative psychiatry we recognize the interrelationship between body and mind.

Can medications be used for weight loss?

In short, yes, medications can be used for weight loss, but they are typically only recommended for people with obesity or significantly overweight who have not been able to reach a healthy weight.

These medications must be prescribed as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes nutrition planning, exercise, and therapy at the very least. With integrative psychiatry we are encouraged to achieve a healthy weight through holistically creating goals and working toward building a healthy lifestyle. There are different types of weight loss medications available, and they work in different ways. Some medications suppress appetite, while others block the absorption of fat or increase the feeling of fullness after eating. However, all weight loss medications have potential side effects and risks, and they should only be used under the guidance of a trained provider

Weight loss medications are not a quick fix or a substitute for healthy lifestyle changes. They should be used as part of a broader weight loss plan, and individuals taking these medications should still make changes to their nutritional and physical activity habits to achieve and maintain long-term optimal health