A neuroconstructive approach to manage obesity:

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the fourth symposium of neuropsychology at the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey offered by Dr. Laura Oliver Trinidad Ph.D. A number of topics related to psychology and mental health which are closely linked to biological and cognitive problems that directly affect humans were discussed. One of the topics that caught my attention was obesity, as it is a problem we can see on a social level and brings a number of biological, physical and emotional consequences.

Statistics and studies carried out in 2013 in Puerto Rico reported that the prevalence of obesity was 66.6%. Obesity stood out more in women with depression than men. You can see that there is a correlation between obesity and depressive symptomatology. This factor is very common as obesity brings many physical consequences but many emotional problems as well. The causes of obesity are not necessarily “eating more than you burn”, as some think. Obesity happens due to mental problems, drugs, genetic, diet changes, inactivity, among others; these can lead the individual to obtain a weight which exceeds the limits for a healthy weight according to your height and muscle mass. To work with obesity in the field of Psychology, therapists must achieve a change in the lifestyle of the person, persuade them to attend support groups, and help them set short and long term goals. In addition, psychotherapy, family, social and marital relations are very important for a person with depression and obesity, since support is essential for effective improvement. By having enough family support they will feel more secure and confident to go ahead and eliminate negative thoughts and life styles.