Psychology
What the scale
doesn't show
Mood, stress and your relationship with food are also part of the disease. They are treated, without blame and without judgement.
Book an appointmentBeing referred to a psychologist doesn't mean the problem is in your head. Obesity has a biological basis, and it also affects mood, just like other chronic diseases.
Where it helps
When what's holding you backisn't food.
“Asking about binge eating isn't a formality. If it's there, the order of things changes: first it's treated, and then we look at the rest.”
“Asking someone with depression to have more willpower is to have understood neither disease.”
“You can lose twenty kilos and still see yourself the same in the mirror. Weight changes before the way you look at yourself.”
“A good plan isn't the one that works on good days. It's the one that survives the bad ones.”
“The first two years are the most demanding. After that, the new weight starts to be your weight.”
“Nobody has ever got better from a disease because they were made to feel guilty for having it.”
In both directions
+55 %
risk of depression in people with obesity.
+58 %
risk of obesity in people with depression.
That is why the Spanish GIRO guideline recommends looking for depression in people with obesity and offering specialist support.
Meta-analysis of 15 studies. Luppino 2010, Arch Gen Psychiatry, PMID 20194822 · SEEDO, GIRO guideline, 2nd edition, 2024.
In your programme
How it works
On binge eating, mood and anxiety, before your first consultation.
If the questionnaires come back abnormal, or if you choose psychology in your programme.
With your permission, they share what is needed so that treatment goes in the same direction.
An eating disorder, severe depression or thoughts of self-harm are referred to psychiatry or a specialised unit.
No promises
1,47 kg
more weight loss was linked to motivational interviewing in a meta-analysis. It is modest help in kilos, but the aim is also to feel better and be able to keep up the rest of the plan.
The guideline also recommends including psychological interventions in treatment. Psychology can be added in LVNG Integral and LVNG Activo and is included in LVNG Signature.
Armstrong 2011, Obes Rev, PMID 21692966.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, don't wait for an appointment.
Why am I being sent to a psychologist if my problem is my weight?
It doesn't mean the problem is in your head. Obesity has a biological basis, and it also affects mood, like other chronic diseases. It is one more form of help, and you decide if you want it.
What happens if the questionnaire shows binge eating?
We discuss it in the consultation and, if needed, assess your case with the psychologist before increasing the dose of a medicine.
What if I need urgent help?
If you have thoughts of harming yourself, don't wait for an appointment. In Spain you can call 024 at any time, or 112 if there is immediate risk.
Live longer. Live better.
The best years of your life may still be ahead of you.
Book an appointment