Let's talk - Trying to lose weight

Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson, Contributor

• Trying to lose weight

Dear Counsellor,

I have a weight problem and I have tried various diets with no good results. What are the issues to consider in a weight-loss programme?

- Janet

Dear Janet,

Weight management is fraught with great obstacles. Eating is an activity that comes naturally. From birth, an individual has look to food to provide energy, growth, and comfort. Food is comforting, and we all look for something to eat whenever we are hungry.

When we are socialising, we eat and drink and have a good time. If we feel for a certain food and cannot have it, then we feel resentful and upset and behave as if we are deprived.

There are several issues to consider: diet, activity, exercise, spirituality, emotions, and behaviour. Spirituality is most important. Our beliefs affect our thoughts and actions. There are existential issues to consider like purpose of life and meaning to life. These issues cause anxiety in people, and so they eat to comfort themselves. Food is pleasing to the eye and the taste is divine. The problems of life cause people to fret and worry, and so they eat.

A hungry man is an angry man. Some people steal to get food to eat. Food is life sustaining and it has to be found. Whatever emotion an individual is experiencing will cause him to want to feel in control. Some people drink alcohol, while others smoke cigarette or ganja. We need to look at portion size and frequency of eating.

A large meal or frequent small meals can cause problems. You need to be familiar with the calorie content of your food. You need to make an inventory of the food that you like and would like to eat sometime. This will give you ideas as to the calories that you are consuming.

Exercise is important as it will improve your lung and heart function and burn calories. Take the stairs at work, walk short distances instead of driving and walk as often as you can. Drink lots of water each day and cut down on sodas and sweet drinks.

Healthy lifestyle requires a commitment to behaviour change and being dedicated to follow through on your programme.

Failure of diet programmes causes people to get upset, depressed and angry. In counselling, you have to deal with your feelings and emotions. In trying to lose weight, you need a therapist, a priest, a nutritionist and an exercise trainer. See what you can arrange.

• Plagued by day-time sleepiness

Dear Counsellor,

I am not sleeping well at nights and I am sleepy in the day. I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and I am on monthly injections and tablets. I have a job, but the daytime sleepiness is interfering with my work.

- Daphne

Dear Daphne,

Sleep problems are common in people who have bipolar disorder. Sleep is essential for people with bipolar disorder and insomnia can trigger a relapse. Discuss this problem with your psychiatrist. You need a review of your medication and addition of a sedative so that you can sleep at night.

Close supervision and support will keep most patients well and working. Early relapse can be caught and dealt with.

Email questions and feedback for Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson to yvonniebd@hotmail.com or call 978-8602.