How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Help You Lose Weight
If you are struggling with weight loss, you might be looking for a new strategy that can help you change your habits, behaviors, and patterns of thinking. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can help you do just that. In this article, we will explain what CBT is, how it can help you with weight management, and some CBT strategies that you can try today. 😊
What is CBT?
CBT is a type of therapy that involves regular sessions with a therapist, with the goal of changing unhelpful thoughts that have led to behavior patterns that work against you. For example, if you tend to overeat when you are stressed or bored, CBT can help you identify and challenge those thoughts and find healthier ways to cope.
CBT is not intended to be ongoing, although you can revisit previous issues in new treatment. Depending on the topic being addressed, therapy can last anywhere from four to more than 20 sessions. Counselors, therapists, and psychologists can provide CBT. Some health insurance policies may cover some of the costs.
In CBT, you work with your therapist to:
- specify a goal
- identify barriers to reaching that goal
- reframe your thinking to get past those barriers
- practice new behaviors to reinforce new and improved thought patterns
CBT can help with a wide range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, phobias, substance use disorders, eating disorders, insomnia, relationships, self-esteem, and personality disorders. Unlike other forms of therapy that focus on how past events have shaped current behaviors, CBT is more concerned with your current functioning. Your therapist may want some history to understand more about you, but most of your time is spent discussing present-day concerns.
How can CBT help with weight management?
CBT addresses the behavioral part of weight management. If you already know how to manage your weight but need help getting yourself to actually do it, CBT can target this issue. For example, if you press the “pause” button on your healthy eating plan every time there is a dessert day at the office, you can undermine your moderation efforts.
CBT empowers you to see the situation differently. Rather than thinking about a missed food that others get to enjoy, CBT trains you to see an opportunity for compromise: choose one dessert, savor it, anticipate how proud you’ll feel later.
CBT can also help you with other aspects of weight management, such as:
- Aiding you to control your diet
- Helping to increase motivation to work out
- Providing tools to deal with any lapses in diet that you will encounter
- Provide long-term weight management skills
- Changing your body image and your assumption for self-perception
- Improving your confidence
What are some CBT strategies for weight loss?
Here are some CBT strategies that you can try on your own or with the guidance of a therapist:
1. Set SMART goals
A SMART goal is one that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” a SMART goal would be “I want to lose 10 pounds in 3 months by eating 1500 calories a day and exercising 4 times a week.” A SMART goal helps you focus on what you want to achieve and how you will get there.
2. Monitor your thoughts and behaviors
A key component of CBT is self-monitoring–the systematic observation and recording of target behaviors, such as reduced calorie and fat intake and increased daily exercise. Self-monitoring helps you become more aware of your habits and patterns and identify areas for improvement. You can use a journal, an app, or a spreadsheet to track your food intake, physical activity, mood, thoughts, and challenges.
3. Challenge negative thoughts
Negative thoughts are often distorted or irrational beliefs that can sabotage your weight loss efforts. For example, you might think “I can never lose weight,” “I have no willpower,” “I deserve this treat,” or “One bite won’t hurt.” These thoughts can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, frustration, or hopelessness, and trigger unhealthy behaviors such as binge eating, skipping exercise, or giving up.
CBT teaches you to challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more realistic and positive ones. For example, you can use the following steps to reframe your thinking:
- Identify the negative thought and write it down.
- Evaluate the evidence for and against the thought. Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it based on facts or feelings?
- Generate an alternative thought that is more balanced and rational. Write it down and repeat it to yourself.
- Notice how the new thought makes you feel and act differently.
For example, if you think “I can never lose weight,” you can challenge it by:
- Writing down the thought and rating how much you believe it on a scale of 0 to 100.
- Looking for evidence that supports or contradicts the thought. For example, you might remember times when you did lose weight or made healthy choices.
- Coming up with a new thought that is more accurate and helpful. For example, “Losing weight is hard but not impossible. I have done it before and I can do it again.”
- Writing down the new thought and rating how much you believe it on a scale of 0 to 100.
- Observing how the new thought changes your mood and behavior. For example, you might feel more motivated and confident to stick to your plan.
4. Use coping skills
Coping skills are strategies that help you deal with stress, emotions, cravings, temptations, and other challenges that can interfere with your weight loss goals. Coping skills can be divided into two categories: problem-focused and emotion-focused.
Problem-focused coping skills are aimed at solving or changing the situation that causes stress or difficulty. For example, if you tend to overeat when you are bored, you can find a hobby or activity that keeps you busy and interested.
Emotion-focused coping skills are aimed at managing or reducing the negative feelings that arise from the situation. For example, if you tend to overeat when you are sad, you can practice relaxation techniques, talk to a friend, or do something that makes you happy.
Some examples of coping skills that you can use for weight management are:
- Planning ahead for challenging situations, such as social events, holidays, or travel.
- Avoiding or minimizing exposure to triggers, such as junk food, alcohol, or people who pressure you to eat.
- Using positive self-talk, affirmations, or motivational quotes to boost your mood and confidence.
- Rewarding yourself for your achievements with non-food treats, such as a movie, a massage, or a new outfit.
- Seeking support from others who share your goals or understand your struggles, such as a therapist, a coach, a friend, or a group.
5. Maintain your progress
CBT can help you achieve your weight loss goals, but it can also help you maintain them in the long term. Weight maintenance is often harder than weight loss because it requires ongoing commitment and vigilance. CBT can help you prevent relapse and cope with setbacks by:
- Continuing to monitor your thoughts and behaviors and making adjustments as needed.
- Reviewing your goals regularly and celebrating your successes.
- Learning from your mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth.
- Keeping a positive attitude and focusing on the benefits of staying healthy.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a new way to lose weight and keep it off, CBT might be the answer. CBT is a form of therapy that can help you change your habits, behaviors, and patterns of thinking that affect your weight management. CBT can help you set SMART goals, monitor your thoughts and behaviors, challenge negative thoughts, use coping skills, and maintain your progress.
CBT is not a magic bullet that will make you lose weight overnight. It requires time, effort, and consistency. However, it can provide you with the tools and skills that you need to achieve and sustain a healthier weight and lifestyle. 🙌
If you are interested in trying CBT for weight loss, you can consult with a therapist who specializes in this approach. You can also find books, apps, or online programs that offer CBT-based guidance and support. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. You can do this! 💪
