don't fall victim to diet fads: obesity is a complex illness that requires education, treatment
“if you keep your hands busy at night, you don’t crave ...
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“if you keep your hands busy at night, you don’t crave food.” this bombshell came to me courtesy of my friend coral freedman during a recent power walk. she’s been on a diet rollercoaster for most of her life, but in the past two years has managed to lose and keep off 50 pounds. her secret? working with an intuitive eating coach and a team of multi-disciplinary practitioners at the alberta obesity centre. it was this weight management facility that encouraged freedman to crochet (or play candy crush) while watching tv to avoid the munchies.
“i was done with trying to manage my weight, being successful then unsuccessful again. at the alberta obesity centre, it’s all about what will work for you long term and finding solutions that fit within your life,” says freedman.
according to obesity canada, one in four adults lives with excess weight. obesity is characterized by abnormal or excess body fat that impairs health, increases the risk of long-term medication complications and decreases lifespan. it’s a serious, chronic medical condition that has a profound impact on individuals and health-care systems. the global cost of treating obesity-related complications is expected to rise to $4 trillion a year by 2035.
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“it’s not something that can be easily fixed overnight. it’s like having a condition that needs regular attention and care, just like other chronic diseases,” says dr. sanjeev sockalingam, professor of psychiatry at the university of toronto and th scientific director for obesity canada.
dr. sanjeev sockalingam. courtesy, obesity canada
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losing excess weight is not simply a matter of eating less and moving more. obesity is a complex illness, caused by different factors. genes, environment, sleep, physiology, emotional health, education and certain medications all play a factor. understanding these factors is critical, because obesity is associated with other diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer – not to mention the stigma and bias that millions suffer every day.
“the formula was calories in and out, and how easy of a formula was that? but i couldn’t do it. even though i had the genes and childhood trauma (which is highly correlated with obesity), my struggle was seen as a lifestyle choice. i believed that for the first 30 years of my life, and didn’t seek treatment. i was so ashamed and embarrassed,” admits sandra elia, chair of obesity matters.
to understand obesity, we must understand what’s going on in our brains. research shows obesity is a brain-related disorder in which the hypothalamus (which works to regulate energy intake and expenditure), is disrupted by biological and environmental factors. once disrupted, feelings of hunger and fullness can be affected.
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our brains are wired from ancient needs. we constantly sought out food and when it was scarce, our bodies adapted by storing calories. that worked well in hunting and gathering societies, but not nowadays when food is abundant. additionally, we’re constantly bombarded with food signals every day.
sandra elia with daughter sofia whitehead. courtesy, sandra elia.
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“our ancient brain fights back because it thinks we’re starving. it’s important to understand this model so those trying their hardest to address obesity and manage their weight realize their brains are working against them,” states dr. sockalingam.
the good news is that the medical community is (slowly) realizing it’s not merely a matter of willpower. scare tactics and fat shaming are being replaced by lifestyle pillars and powerful medicines.
treatment options include medications that help you feel fuller for a longer period, reducing the amount of food you eat. bariatric surgery, which makes changes to your digestive system, can also support long-term weight loss. psychological interventions work to strengthen parts of the brain that regulate behaviours and dismantle the power of these learned cues for pleasure that drive cravings.
there’s no one-size-fits-all solution and for many, like elia, the treatment approach is multifold.
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“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.
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support for those affected by obesity
alberta obesity centre offers multidisciplinary weight management care through a referral system. albertaobesitycentre.ca
health-care professionals can access educational programs and guidelines from obesity canada. obesitycanada.ca
obesity matters is a national advocacy group for canadians living with obesity. obesity-matters.com
community natural foods is offering a complimentary 21-day kick sugar program in january. delivered via zoom webinar, the program is designed to break lifelong eating habits. participants receive meal plans, recipes and shopping lists. communitynaturalfoods.com/events/2024-kick-sugar-program
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