Behavioral Counseling is a key part of effective Weight Loss
When I see an obese patient in the clinic, I usually initiate Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help the patient on building healthy habits that will promote health and well-being in general and weight loss in specific.
I usually proceed to refer to counseling to continue with MI and behavior modification or behavior therapy. This will help the patient make long-term changes in their eating behavior by modifying and monitoring their food intake, modifying their physical activity, impulse control, sustainable ways of managing stress as well as controlling cues and stimuli in the environment that trigger eating.
At the same time, many patients need the help of a nutritionist/dietician to help them with selecting appropriate food choices and planning meals.
