CORE, a biopsychosocial treatment center for weight loss

Dec 30 2009

Earlier this month, leaders in the treatment of weight related disorders and psychiatry joined forces under the Comprehensive Obesity Recovery Effort (CORE, LLC). Insight Psychological Centers and medical weight loss expert, William Ciganek M.D., have formed CORE to help people lose weight.

According to Dr. Ciganek, "Everyone knows that weight is the result of calorie intake vs. calorie expenditures. What they don't know is there are only three factors that determine eating and activity behavior." Using medicine and the mind for weight loss, CORE targets the biological, psychological and social reasons behind eating and exercise. Scientifically, CORE is a biopsychosocial treatment center for weight loss.

The "biology" in biopsychosocial involves metabolism, fat absorption rates, the appetite and even anxiety or depression. All have an enormous impact on weight. The multidisciplinary treatment team at CORE modifies biology with either prescription medications or other medical interventions, or both, depending on the patient.

The "psychology" in biopsychosocial can be the single-most important determinant of weight. CORE uses psychology to help participants retrain their brains to think differently about food and exercise. One key psychological element of weight loss is motivation. CORE delivers tools to let motivation find patients, so patients don't have to create it on their own. Further, psychologists who specialize in weight help patients understand the emotional reasons behind their eating. Most people know a lot about nutrition and exercise. What they don't know is why they overeat or under-exercise.

The "social" in biopsychosocial is the third determinant of eating and activity behaviors. According to Dr. Ciganek, "The stress resulting from family, living and work is a main contributor to overeating." All of the CORE programs address the social causes of weight gain. CORE delivers multiple treatment options, for both groups and individuals, during evenings and weekends so people can enjoy intensive treatment while carrying on with their daily lives.

In addition to medicine and psychology, CORE offers fitness and nutrition services, such as work-out plans and custom menus tailored for the individual so they fit better. Says Ciganek, "When tools for change fit better, they are easier to use, so people tend to stick with them. When you want to eat better, consult a registered dietician. To improve fitness, see a credentialed fitness expert. When you want to change behavior, go to a human behavior expert. CORE provides all of these resources under one roof."