Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder Treatment

In the past, treatment for obesity, binge eating or compulsive eating disorder consisted of diets; diet and exercise programs; diet, exercise, and cognitive-behavioral therapy programs; diets and medication; and more recently a combination of all of the above! The latest trend in obesity and binge eating disorder treatment is bariatric surgery for people with a body mass index over 40 (or even less). Clearly, this type of obesity help is effective only in a few cases.

Mirasol's treatment model is an integrative model where we use the best of the cognitive-behavioral world combined with the most effective alternative treatments. After years of yo-yo dieting, weight loss, weight regain, and beleaguered self-esteem, our clients learn to conceptualize and experience a shift in consciousness about the way that obesity, weight, binge eating, and poor health affects their lives and how these conditions need to be treated. They experience permanent changes that will facilitate health, wellness, vitality, increase longevity, and redefine the quality of their lives.

In Mirasol's Alternative Weight Management Program, the primary focus is not only weight loss but also metabolic health. In our culture fitness has been related to weight; however, fitness is not integrally related to weight, nor should it be limited only to measures of cardiorespiratory capacity and endurance. Parameters such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are the basics of a new definition of fitness which Glenn Gaesser (2002) calls "metabolic fitness".

Despite the well-documented success of behavioral techniques in producing temporary weight loss, treatment is typically followed by weight regain almost 90% of the time. The maintenance of treatment effects may therefore be the greatest challenge in the long-term management of obesity and weight loss and subsequent metabolic health.

For this reason, Mirasol's Alternative Weight Management Program has been very carefully and uniquely designed. The program begins with intensive treatment followed up with a Focused Continuing Care program that provides the client with ongoing treatment and support for a year after treatment. Focused continuing care includes psychological support as well as continuing support and guidance from Mirasol's certified professional trainer and dietitian.

Mirasol clients are supported by an integrative team consisting of the naturopathic physician, a nutritionist, psychotherapists, experiential and art therapists, biofeedback practitioners, bodyworkers and fitness professionals. Clients receive individualized meal plans as well as individualized activity plans. The naturopathic physician will prescribe supplements to correct food allergies, nutritional imbalances, and to help with dietary detox and cravings.

The program components include naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy and biofeedback. All of the modalities used at Mirasol have solid foundations in published studies and are also used at Stanford's Complementary Alternative Medicine Clinic in Palo Alto. A gentle exercise protocol is also incorporated which includes yoga, pool exercise, walking and psychoeducation by a certified professional trainer.

The program also includes information on the most current research available in the field on obesity, compulsive eating, and binge eating disorder. In addition, mindfulness and spirituality are carefully interwoven throughout the program. Clients are given the opportunity to rediscover a new sense of self, their spirits and their souls in the world when the former preoccupation with food, medical issues, and body difficulties and disabilities are no longer of primary concern.