Health&Wellness Magazine January 2015 | Page 37

For advertising information visit www.samplerpublications.com or call 859.225.4466 | January 2015 as a part of managing weight, then it is time to seek professional assistance with your weight condition. The critical step is doing something about it. The consequences of doing nothing are not only physical problems but also a spectrum of psychological concerns that include mood disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorder. The major psychiatric disorders have a national prevalence rate of 17.1 percent and 1.6 percent respectively, but are elevated to 49.3 percent and three percent in bariatric surgery patients. Increased prevalence of anxiety disorders, binge eating disorder, and personality disorders have also been identified. Remember that when you’re facing stressful transitions in the life span, you may find it harder to eat healthy. During times of particularly high stress, we may eat in an attempt to fulfill emotional needs — sometimes called stress eating or emotional eating. At the same time we are likely to eat high-calorie foods. Binge eating behaviors are suspected in about 30 percent of persons seeking bariatric surgery. Those who consider such an option need to be aware of not only the immediate surgical risks, but also the extent of postoperative behavioral changes, which are essential for postoperative success. Weighing the risks of surgery with the risks of obesity-related comorbidities can be emotionally taxing on any person. This is an important time to get helpful objective counseling in comprehending the information on surgical procedures. On an individual basis, most of us either have tried to lose weight or are actively engaged in maintaining a healthy weight. Why we struggle with weight and how best to lose weight are hotly debated topics. The nation’s current weight struggles have been attributed to a range of biological, societal and personal problems, such as unhealthy school lunches, media advertising, too much corn and corn syrup in our diets, sugar substitutes, lack of willpower, overreliance on fast and prepackaged foods and many more. Remember it is important to take this effort to manage weight gain in stages. Use the five key strategies by recognizing the warning signs and what you are doing in response. Keep a record of your behavior and eating habits. Then use mindful management techniques and engage in regular physical activity. Finally, & About the Author Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D. ABPP is a Professor Emeritus and Senior Research Scientist, Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention, University of Connecticut and retired service chief from the VA Medical Center and retired tenured Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Experts say that having the right attitude can help you think yourself thin. LSG SPENCER FREE CONSULTATION Fee Deducted From Settlement Hablamos Español LAW GROUP Kelly P. Spencer & Associates 252-HELP (4357) • 1.800.980.0207 535 Wellington Way / 3rd Floor • www.kellyspencerlaw.com THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT 37 should these strategies not seem to be working, seek professional assistance through a certified or licensed personal trainer, professional counselor, or medical professional.