Nobody Asks What the Weight Is For

Weight and appetite can be influenced by many factors, including physical health, medication, sleep, stress, life events, food access, hormones, grief and mood. A blog cannot explain a particular person’s body. New, rapid, unexplained or concerning changes should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional. For some people, a difficult period changes appetite, routine, energy or the time available to prepare food. For others, appetite reduces. These experiences do not establish a single cause, and they are not evidence of a moral failure. A useful conversation can make room for what has changed without assuming that anxiety is the explanation. CBT does not prescribe weight change and cannot replace medical or specialist eating disorder care. Where anxiety, low mood, shame, self criticism or distress around eating is relevant, therapy may explore those experiences in context after assessment. The focus should be agreed individually, with attention to health, safety and practical circumstances. If thoughts about food, weight or shape are overwhelming, are affecting health or daily life, or are linked to purging, restriction, bingeing, fainting or an inability to stay safe, seek appropriate medical or urgent support. The Lyceum offers CBT based support in West London and online where clinically appropriate.