“i use cognitive behaviour therapy to examine unhealthy thinking patterns that lead to compulsive overeating. i move my body regularly which boosts my mental health and i stick to whole foods. i also take care of my spirit. when you’ve struggled with your weight your whole life, it strips away your self-esteem,” she shares.
individuals looking to treat obesity should first seek help through their health-care provider, understanding screening measures may include calculating body mass index (bmi), which should then lead to a more comprehensive assessment.
as there’s still much work to be done educating health-care providers in the complexity of this disease, those suffering from obesity may need to be their own advocates. this is where organizations such as obesity matters come into play, supporting and empowering individuals on how to self-advocate for their medical care.
“key to overcoming obesity is getting over your harsh internal dialogue. how can you care for your body and mind when you’re in that state? without self-compassion, advocating for yourself at the doctor’s office or having the confidence to try a new physical activity isn’t possible,” says elia.
though it didn’t happen overnight, both elia and freedman have come to a place of acceptance. through supportive organizations and healthcare practitioners, their focus has shifted away from the scale to finding peace with food and themselves.
support for those affected by obesity
alberta obesity centre offers multidisciplinary weight management care through a referral system.
albertaobesitycentre.ca