Weight Loss

Weight loss can be challenging when emotional factors and mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or binge eating are involved. At NuMind Psychiatry in Seattle and Kennewick, Washington, Jay Rivas, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and his colleagues take a behavioral approach to weight management. They provide therapy, lifestyle guidance, and support to help patients build healthier habits and address underlying issues. Contact NuMind Psychiatry by phone or request an appointment online today to take a balanced, sustainable step toward your weight loss goals.

What makes weight loss difficult for some people?

Weight loss doesn’t just involve diet and exercise — it’s also fundamentally linked to behavior, emotions, and mental health. For example, depression, anxiety, and trauma cause emotional distress that can trigger cravings and lead to comfort eating.

Many people struggle with poor habits, stress, or emotional eating patterns that make losing weight more challenging. Emotional eating occurs when an individual eats in response to emotions rather than hunger. This can happen during times of stress, sadness, boredom, or even celebration. Over time, it can become a hard-to-break habit.

At NuMind Psychiatry, Dr. Rivas and his colleagues help patients explore the mental and behavioral side of weight management to create lasting change. They offer comprehensive evaluations to identify and address these issues as part of a complete weight management plan.

How can mental health affect weight?

Mental health has a substantial role in weight management, with several conditions significantly increasing the risk of overeating, poor food choices, and reduced motivation to stay active.

Mental health conditions that can make weight loss more difficult include the following:

• Depression, which may lower energy and motivation
• Anxiety, which can increase stress eating
• Binge eating disorder, which involves repeated episodes of overeating

Conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could also have an effect because they impact planning, impulse control, and consistency.

NuMind Psychiatry focuses on identifying these disorders and offering practical strategies to address them.

What behavioral therapies help with weight loss?

Behavioral therapy is a powerful tool for changing unhealthy habits. NuMind Psychiatry uses approaches like:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns that lead to emotional eating or poor self-care.

Motivational interviewing

Motivational interviewing encourages self-reflection and helps patients set realistic, personal goals.

Mindfulness training

Mindfulness teaches awareness of hunger cues, emotional triggers, and eating patterns, promoting a healthier relationship with food.

Dr. Rivas and his colleagues help patients learn to recognize emotional triggers and replace unhealthy habits with healthier coping mechanisms, such as journaling, exercise, or counseling. These therapies focus on building healthier behaviors, boosting self-esteem, and developing long-term coping strategies.

NuMind Psychiatry supports each patient with compassion, helping them build healthier relationships with food, their body, and themselves. To benefit from expert weight loss support, call the office or book an appointment online today.