Overweight and obesity can lead to health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Losing weight and keeping it off can help prevent these conditions.

Psychologists can help people make behavioral changes to manage their weight. They can work with individuals and families in their private practice or as part of a health care team.

Manage Your Stress

Stress can cause you to skip meals, which can lead to weight gain. It also can increase your chance of overindulging in high-calorie foods. Managing your stress levels can help you control your cortisol level, which in turn helps you maintain or lose weight. Start by identifying the causes of your stress. Then, group them into categories such as those that have a practical solution, those that will improve over time and those you cannot control.

Practice stress-management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or exercise. Take advantage of social support and seek out activities that relieve your stress. Avoid substances such as alcohol or drugs that can add to your stress. If your stress is severe and you cannot cope with it on your own, talk to a counselor or therapist. Psychotherapy can teach you coping skills to manage your stress. These may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This can help you identify the sources of your stress and change negative patterns of behavior.