The UK Government has launched a new strategy to encourage overweight and obese people to lose weight to reduce the risk of high impact COVID-19.
There is now consistent evidence that people who are overweight or living with obesity who contract coronavirus (COVID-19) are more likely to be admitted to hospital, to an intensive care unit and, sadly to die from COVID-19 compared to those of a healthy body weight status.
Department of Health and Social Care Policy Paper on Tackling Obesity
Some people find it harder than others to start on a weight loss journey
Do you find it difficult to get inspired to lose weight, even when you know the risk of being overweight has caused or can cause you to suffer from diseases like COVID-19, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, liver and respiratory disease and some cancers and also mental health?
There is a strong link between emotions and weight gain and thus between emotions and weight loss. Malia Frey, a weight loss expert, certified health coach, weight management specialist, personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist wrote an article on How to overcome 5 psychological blocks to weight loss.
Are you experiencing any of these blocks?
- All-or-nothing thinking
- Negative body image
- Using food as a comfort for stress
- Depression
- Personal childhood trauma
If you are experiencing one or a few of these psychological blocks, then you need to change your approach to weight loss by first addressing your emotional link to your weight gain. Find a health care professional who is skilled at treating the underlying emotional causes of overeating and weight gain. You may benefit from a medical weight loss programme like Slender Wonder if you are struggling with your weight, or you find that a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity are not enough to help you lose weight or maintain your weight loss.
Medical Weight Loss Programmes
A medical weight loss programme will help you address your emotional link with food and weight gain and help you to make healthy lifestyle changes. There are prescription medications that can treat obesity and help some people to lose weight, especially where they find it hard to lose weight when on a diet. Find out more about Medical Weight Loss Programmes from Dr Kim Prescott in this article: Medical Weight Loss – Your Questions Answered.