Weight Management Services
The reasons behind struggles with weight are complex, and the often-heard advice to “eat less, move more” fails to address the many interconnected factors that make maintaining a healthy weight challenging. At Oak Grove Psychology, our weight management services in Reading focus on a compassionate and evidence-based approach that considers the intricate interplay of biological, psychological, and lifestyle influences.
Understanding the Challenges of Weight Management
Humans are evolutionarily predisposed to gain weight more easily than to lose it—a survival mechanism that was beneficial when food was scarce. Today, however, with food readily available and more sedentary lifestyles, these same mechanisms can contribute to difficulties in weight management. On top of this, our brains often struggle with sustaining behaviour change and managing difficult emotions, which can lead to habits such as emotional eating.
These factors are not a reflection of personal failure, but they often leave people feeling stuck, turning to fad diets for a quick fix. Unfortunately, these diets often yield only short-term results, are unsustainable, and fail to address the deeper causes of weight challenges. This cycle of yo-yo dieting not only impacts physical health but also damages self-esteem, leaving individuals feeling as though they’ve failed.
Weight Management Services in Reading
Dr. Stephanie Ennis, one of our clinical psychologists and trained nutritionist, brings a wealth of experience to this field, having worked for four years in an NHS weight management service. Stephanie’s passion lies in helping clients develop a healthier relationship with food and their bodies. Her approach is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which emphasises aligning actions with personal values to foster sustainable changes. Stephanie helps clients to:
Identify individual goals and values: Discover what truly matters to you and use these insights to guide behaviour change.
Make sustainable lifestyle changes: Gradual modifications to nutrition, exercise, and daily routines that fit within your unique lifestyle.
Build a positive relationship with food: No food groups are demonised, and all are understood in terms of their role in keeping us healthy and enabling the lives we want to live.
Adapt unhelpful thought patterns & behaviours: Address and shift the habits and mindsets that may be holding you back.
Start Your Journey Today
Stephanie’s compassionate and practical approach to weight management encourages clients to reflect on the reasons behind their eating habits and to develop new strategies for managing challenging emotions. By working with us, you’ll gain tools to move away from the cycle of fad dieting and toward long-term health and well-being.
We would love to join you on your journey towards a healthier weight and a healthier sense of wellbeing for the long-term. If you would like to get started or have any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today at drannanorris@oakgrovepsychology.co.uk, or on 07359 577 510.
