Helping Patients Outsmart Overeating: Psychological Strategies for Doctors and Healthcare Providers

In a caring manner, psychotherapist Koenig and physician O’Mahoney provide insights into the psychological and physiological barriers to weight loss faced by both doctors and patients. This introductory work begins by acknowledging the frustration that medical providers feel about their often limited success in this field. One key issue, according to the authors, is that medical students are seldom trained in how to compassionately approach patients who are struggling to lose weight. A listing of common patient complaints about the medical system’s failings, presented in a balanced manner, will help medical professionals understand that this is more than a matter of patient noncompliance. Discussions of the process of weight loss, insights into the psychological issues behind dysregulated eating habits, and the dangers of yo-yo dieting are supported with cited research. Care is taken to acknowledge that medical providers need support in helping their patients resolve issues that interfere with healthy living. The authors carefully lay out the information (in text that can feel repetitive) and end most chapters with useful tips. Health professionals will find this a solid guide; the material is also accessible to non-professionals. [em](Jan.) [/em]