Coping with the Stress of Obesity

Abstract

Coping with chronic disease, such as obesity, is central to
effective management. Coping skills enhancement,
therefore, should be made part of obesity therapy. The
AEIOU model, coupled with the five Bad Bs and five Positive
Ps, allows health care professionals to integrate coping
skills enhancement in routine care. Analysis and
elimination of negative coping mechanisms, initiation and
integration of positive skills, ongoing observation and use
of opportunities for optimization, and upgradation of one’s
understanding, allow enhancement of coping skills. This
should be considered standard of care in all obesity
management programmes.

Keywords: Motivation, motivational therapeutics, obesity,
person centred care, psychosocial