Weight Loss

For overweight or obese individuals seeking weight loss, clinicians at MLT utilize the best lifestyle modification treatments that are currently available for weight loss.
weight eating disorder therapist main lineWe personalize treatment for each individual client, such that they can not only lose weight, but keep it off for Life. We do not broadly endorse any specific diet plan or any specific nutritional component. Research in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that no one diet is better than another at achieving weight loss. Rather than experimenting with the latest “fad diet,” we take the approach that clients are embarking on a change for Life, and we work with clients to help them find the best fit for themselves to achieve desired weight loss and, importantly, maintain that weight loss for the long term. The treatment includes formulating achievable goals; keeping track of eating and exercise; adhering to specific dietary and exercise prescriptions; and the acquisition of specific skills to help clients stick to their goals. Clients are taught to develop specific, attainable goals, and will learn how to monitor their own progress, identify and overcome barriers to achieving those goals, and help them transition to a new healthy lifestyle.

For many, moderate weight losses achieved in a healthy way can be empowering and lead to great levels of satisfaction. For others, however, weight loss does not translate into happiness in the way clients expected. In addition to focusing on weight, our clinicians will help these clients examine all aspects of their lives to ensure they can achieve the peace and fulfillment they seek at a weight that is reasonable for them.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are debilitating illnesses that can take over a person’s life. In addition, eating disorders can have serious medical and psychological consequences if left untreated, which must be addressed as soon as possible. Research shows that those who seek treatment earlier rather than later have the best chances for recovery. Fortunately, our understanding of eating disorders is improving all of the time, and MLT offers the latest in evidence-based treatments for each of the eating disorders, including weight-restored anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating disorder, and night-eating syndrome. Recovery from an eating disorder is not easy, and our clinicians provide the support and guidance necessary for the journey. Along the path to recovery we help clients to explore their relationship with food, issues of control, close interpersonal relationships, and the important connection between body image and self-esteem.

When working with eating disorder clients, our staff integrate techniques taken from cognitive-behavioral and family systems-based therapies, as well as mindfulness and acceptance-based treatments. Most eating disorder treatments require a multidisciplinary team approach, and we are used to working closely with family physicians, psychiatrists, endocrinologists, nutritionists, and other health care providers.

Bariatric Surgery

For individuals seeking bariatric surgery, we offer the pre-operative psychological evaluation required by most surgeons and insurance companies, as well as dietary and psychological support in the pre- and post-operative period. Please click here for more information

 

Resources

Weight Loss:
The Obesity Society (TOS)
– http://www.obesity.org

The Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior (SSIB)
– http://ssib.org

Managing Overweight and Obesity in Adults: Systematic Evidence Review from the Obesity Expert Panel, NHLBI (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute)
– https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-pro/guidelines/in-develop/obesity-evidence-review

Eating Disorders:

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
– https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Eating Disorders Coalition
– https://eatingdisorderscoalition.org/

Bariatric Surgery:

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
https://asmbs.org/

University of Pennsylvania’s Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program
https://www.pennmedicine.org/bariatric-weight-loss-surgery/