This program addresses one of the core symptoms of obesity: a higher appetite drive and overeating behaviour. This in many cases is a by-product of your genes colliding with our food rich environment.

Learning psychological tools in your daily life and using medications for obesity (for those who qualify) aims to help you to adhere to a healthy dietary and exercise plan that improves weight management outcomes long-term.

Obesity is a chronic, progressive, medical condition with complex causes. There are almost two decades worth of research indicating the role of genetics in contributing to one’s weight. There are up to 1100 genes that have been identified that affect regions of the brain that regulate appetite signaling, metabolism, and body weight. Simply put, obesity is not a lifestyle choice.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for weight management is based on the premise that how you think, affects your actions (like eating and exercise) and how you feel. Practicing the skills of CBT will allow you to identify unhelpful thinking patterns so that you can engage in healthy behaviours that are consistent with your overall values. It can be used to help with managing overeating behaviour, exercise, and motivating one to get back on track after a lapse. Obesity Canada has published the benefits of using psychological tools for obesity treatment here.

Have you seen your weight yo-yo with dieting? You're not alone - weight regain occurs with many people and is a natural response of the brain to defend a higher body weight (also known as the set point). In response to weight loss, the brain naturally changes one’s metabolism and increases appetite in an effort to defend a higher body weight.

Certain medications for weight loss will help with appetite regulation in a way that allows you to lose weight and keep it off sustainably. Obesity Canada has published the recommended evidence-based treatments for obesity here.