Shame, Trauma and Obesity
Presented by Edward Abramson, PhD
Obesity is NOT a mental disorder. Excluding binge eaters, patients with obesity don’t display more psychopathology than normal weight individuals. Nonetheless, people with obesity experience shame which interferes with successful treatment. Often shame is associated with a history of trauma or having been bullied in childhood. Many patients who regained weight after successful treatment had been sexually abused. By considering your patient’s possible history of shame, bullying and trauma, you’ll be able to have a more productive conversation with them about their weight.
Learning Objectives Include:
- Define trauma, shame and guilt
- Identify the role of shame in obesity
- Identify the role of trauma in obesity
- Explain the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, bullying, and obesity
- Discuss obstacles to establishing a therapeutic relationship
- Describe how to use motivational interviewing techniques to overcome shame
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Edward Abramson, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, professor emeritus at California State University, and former director of a hospital eating disorders center. He’s authored six books, including ‘Emotional Eating: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Next Diet’ and ‘It’s NOT Just Baby Fat!: 10 Steps to Help Your Child to a Healthy Weight.’ He writes a blog for ‘Psychology Today,’ and has appeared on dozens of television and radio programs, including ‘20/20.’ Dr. Abramson is routinely quoted in publications, including the ‘New York Times’ and ‘O, The Oprah Magazine.’ He has lectured widely throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. A formerly sedentary overweight young adult, he has transformed himself into a normal weight regular gym member.
ABOUT THE HOST: Hundreds of nationally recognized hospitals and physicians trust Robard’s medically-supervised programs and nutrition products to successfully treat patients with obesity. To learn more, visit us online at www.Robard.com, email us at info@robard.com, or call (800) 222-9201.