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Mental Health Support for Weight Loss Patients

Mental Health Support for Weight Loss Patients

Many people find it hard to lose weight, and keeping it off can be even more challenging. It’s important to remember that everyone’s weight loss journey is different. You might have a bad day or week, or your weight will slow down or stay the same for a while (known as a ‘plateau’). Although this is normal, it can leave some people feeling disappointed and discouraged, and sometimes feelings of low mood, depression or anxiety can creep in.

Find out how you can improve your mental wellbeing and what to do if you need extra help.

Many people find it hard to lose weight, and keeping it off can be even more challenging. It’s important to remember that everyone’s weight loss journey is different. You might have a bad day or week, or your weight will slow down or stay the same for a while (known as a ‘plateau’). Although this is normal, it can leave some people feeling disappointed and discouraged, and sometimes feelings of low mood, depression or anxiety can creep in.

Find out how you can improve your mental wellbeing and what to do if you need extra help.

5 ways to improve your mood

If you’re finding it difficult to cope with your mental health while on your weight loss journey, there are some things you can do to help improve your mood and look after your mental wellbeing.

  1. Be kind to yourself and connect with others.

    Give yourself time and space to process your thoughts and feelings, as this is a key part of looking after yourself. If you can, try to make time to do things that help you relax and unwind. This could be reading, taking a bath or going for a walk.

    Connecting with other people can lift your mood. Reach out to family members, friends and colleagues. It’s OK not to feel OK, so don’t be afraid to say how you are really feeling.

    Other things that can help make you feel good are doing something nice for a friend or stranger, thanking someone, and even just smiling.

  2. Eat more mood-boosting foods

    What you eat can have an impact on your mood. Take time to notice the foods you eat and learn about foods that are good for you. Aim to eat a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, legumes (such as chickpeas and lentils), nuts, seeds, fish, wholegrains and unsaturated fats (such as olive oil and avocado).

    Check out this article by our expert Lifestyle Medicine team for more information on how your diet impacts your mood.

  3. Get active

    Whether you walk, run, play a game, dance or spend time outside, exercising makes you feel good. It releases endorphins – ‘feel good chemicals’ that improve your physical health, sleep and mood. You could also get back in touch with a hobby or something you enjoy doing and can get absorbed in or do with others

  4. Have a sleep routine

    Good sleep is essential for better moods. Keeping a routine, having a calm and comfortable space to sleep and getting outside before midday can all help improve your wake-sleep cycle.

    Try to get ready for bed at least 30 minutes before, stop using your devices and instead do something calming. If you don't fall asleep within 15 minutes, get up and do something different until you feel sleepy.

  5. Keep learning

    Learning new things is fun and can improve your confidence. Plus, achieving your goals no matter how small can lift your mood and boost your self-esteem.

    If you’re not sure where to start, try rediscovering an old interest, signing up for a course, taking on a different responsibility at work, fixing a bike, learning to play an instrument or cooking your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving – and if you slip up or miss a day or two, that’s OK, just get going again.

How we can help

If you’re using weight loss treatment and are struggling with your mental health or need some extra support, help is available.

You can reach out through your patient record, or book a consultation with one of our clinical team through our Depression and Anxiety Treatment service, where we’ll find the right support and treatment for you.

You can also check out our free Boots Online Doctor podcast dedicated to managing stress: Your Better Mental Wellbeing.

More mental health support

Some other organisations who can help are:

  • Mental Health UK, who can help you find local mental health support groups and services
  • NHS talking therapies, a free service available for support with anxiety and depression
  • Mind, a mental health charity offering information and support for people suffering with mental health crises

Are you struggling or feel you can’t cope?

You’re not alone – there are many services and organisations that can support you directly, like the NHS urgent helpline. It’s a 24-hour service for people of all ages.

If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or are at risk of harming yourself or others, please call NHS 111 and press option 2, speak to your GP, call the Samaritans on 116 123 or text Shout on 85258. Please reach out, and remember all these organisations exist to help you.