The potential benefits of a mental health assessment for patients with excessive weight

US News and World Report published “Should You Undergo a Mental Health Evaluation for Obesity? – mounting evidence shows a link between the mind and body weight” on 7-14-16. This thorough article reviews several potential ways that mental health problems can create barriers to weight loss, including low energy, discouragement/pessimism, and cravings for high calorie foods. It is a good review of these concepts for health care providers and also could be provided to patients with excessive weight who might benefit from adjunctive mental health services.