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What This Book Is NOT and How NOT To Use It This book is only for people who are in need of losing weight. If your BMI (see Appendix C) falls between 20 and 25, you do not need this book. Sit back and enjoy the fact that right now, you are at a body weight, which will maximize your lifespan! For people within a healthy weight range, trying to lose weight by eliminating (what you think is) compulsive overeating could result in the development of an eating disorder and may be an indication that you need professional help. Secondly, although essential to effective weight loss, this book does NOT outline a nutrition program. Since nutritional guidance is beyond the scope of this program, the program will be most effective if used while under the guidance of a nutritionist. All of my eating-disordered and obese patients are required to see a nutritionist during their mental health treatment with me. In the second chapter I will briefly discuss the hormonal balance that needs to be achieved in order for the hypothalamus to allow the body to metabolize fat. A nutritionist is the best person to consult with in order to be sure you are eating the proper amount of all the food groups. Consulting with a nutritionist is especially essential for people with any type of medical ailment. For example, someone with high cholesterol needs to follow a nutritionist's guidelines regarding how much and what types of fats are best for them. If you have diabetes, your body is going to require a specific amount of carbohydrates and protein each day, which would be different for someone without diabetes. If this concept is not adhered to, a diabetic may have an excessive amount of either glucose or insulin in their bloodstream which, no matter how closely you watch your portion control, will stall weight loss. Before a diabetic can expect to lose a substantial amount of body fat, they need to get their a.m. blood sugars within normal limits. There is a strong connection between obesity and diabetes, and diabetes is a substantial complicating factor when treating obesity. That is why, in buying this book, five percent of the author's proceeds will be donated to the American Societies for Adult and Juvenile Diabetes. Another five percent will be donated to the National Eating Disorders Association. The bottom line here: if you have a medical ailment, please consult with a nutritionist and follow their plan precisely. Thirdly, this book is not the only intervention needed in order to eliminate any eating-disordered behavior such as self-induced vomiting, emaciation, laxative use or exercise addictions. These are considered eating-disordered behaviors that may meet the diagnostic criteria for an eating disorder, regardless of your body weight. The best mode of treatment for an eating disorder is psychiatric intervention, which could include the use of this book. If you have any concerns or wonder if you have an eating disorder, ask your physician or local mental health professional for a one-session consultation. Lastly, this book is not meant to replace any dieting program you are currently having success with. The book will work best if used in conjunction with a structured nutritional plan or commercial diet. If what you are doing is working, keep doing it. Just be aware that there may come a point where your current program begins to become less successful. Rather than see yourself as "failing at the program," this book will help you understand why you have hit a plateau or started to regain weight. Psychiatric and medical journals are clear about the results of structured diets. They work. But only within the short term. This book is designed to help you strengthen your current nutritional plan and develop eating habits that result in long-term weight control. |
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