Many people are unaware that we are currently in the midst of an obesity epidemic. The World Health Organization has determined that more people in the world are now overweight than are malnourished and thin. Obesity levels in the developed world are reaching levels never seen before in human history.
Not everyone who is overweight is unhealthy. Some people seem to live for many years with extra weight and be no worse for wear.
However, researchers have determined that people who are overweight have an increased risk of chronic health conditions that can be serious, including:
- High blood pressure
- Type II diabetes
- Heart disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Arthritis
- Dementia
- Cancer
Being overweight can also have a detrimental effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. There is a lot of stigma. Overweight people are sometimes unfairly blamed for their condition, and thought of as lazy, or lacking willpower.
Dating may be more difficult. There is an ingrained prejudice against “fat people” in the dating world and people will sometimes fail to look beyond the superficial, ignoring the beautiful person within.
Obesity and its associated chronic health concerns are responsible for billions of dollars of healthcare costs and are threatening to bankrupt national economies the world over.
More information about the obesity epidemic can be found by checking the website of the World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
Counselling for Obesity
Like addictions, obesity is complicated. Several factors contribute to people being overweight. There is still much to learn. Research is ongoing.
If you yourself are struggling with a weight problem, you may find helpful guidance from your family physician and/or a dietitian. You may choose to join organizations such as Overeaters Anonymous or Weight Watchers. There is also a virtual explosion of advice and information available on the World Wide Web. Knowing which information to trust is an ongoing concern.
At Park Bench Counselling Services, we are proud to provide support to individuals who are struggling with obesity. Our approach is founded upon a caring and nonjudgmental philosophy that sees the person who is overweight or obese as a victim of a chronic health problem. There is no blame and there is no shame. Only our desire to be helpful.
Park Bench Counselling Services does not provide any medical or health advice to people with weight problems. This is between you and your doctor.
Our role is to help you examine the emotional factors that may be contributing to your weight problem as well as helping you to deal with the sometimes-damaging effect of being overweight on your psychological and social well-being. Although specific dietary or health advice is not offered, we may direct you to interesting online resources, books, articles and lectures that provide food for thought as you explore how best to address your weight problem.
With proper care and support, more and more people are learning to understand that obesity has nothing to do with attitude or lack of will power, but that with proper support and understanding, things can get a lot better.
Don’t give up. Give it a try!