An Integrative Approach to Healthy Weight

The etiology of obesity is multi-factorial including genetic, psychosocial, behavioral and environmental factors.  Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight requires attention to all aspects of lifestyle including:

  • Nutrition
  • Mindful eating
  • Increasing physical activity
  • Decreasing sedentary time
  • Stress reduction
  • Adequate sleep.

Strategies found to be helpful for calorie and weight reduction:

  • Food intake recording
  • Regular weigh-ins
  • Commercial diet programs including low-fat diets, low-carbohydrate diets and balanced diets
  • Consultation with a dietician for assistance with menu planning or navigating a commercial weight loss plan.

Evidence suggests the following therapies may be helpful for weight management:

  • Acupuncture
  • Mind-body techniques including hypnosis
  • Increased fiber intake in the diet or supplementation with psyllium, methyl-cellulose, guar-gum or flax seed
  •  Green tea in beverage or supplement form
  •  Counseling including cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing.

Please see the downloads section for more detailed clinician and patient information.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.