Problem Solving Treatment for Weight Loss

Running Head: PROBLEM SLVING TREATMENT FOR WEIGHT LOSS 1
Problem Solving Treatment for Weight Loss
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PROBLEM SOLVING TREATMENT FOR WEIGHT LOSS 2
Introduction
Problem-solving treatment (PST) refers to the therapy that has been used by people to
address difficulties they encounter in life by taking action in their lives, (Altman and Wilfley,
2015). The difficulties are overcome by a person becoming proactive when trying to solve a
difficulty faced. In the world today, millions of people are struggling to address the problem of
overweight. Many students are also affected by the difficulty of weight loss. This affects their
daily interactions both at school and outside of school. In this framework, a more elaborate
weight loss plan using PST is outlined.
According to Murawski et al (2009), overweight has turned out to be a real problem for
young people especially the school going children. The ones affected most are those living in the
cities. Addressing this overweight challenge has proved to be a daunting challenge to the
students and their concerned parents. It's call for a complete change in the lifestyle and behavior
in terms of daily life engagements. In order to effectively treat this, several factors are to be
addressed. Because of this, PST becomes an important therapy technique to be used. The therapy
will take into account; dietary advice, some physical exercise and involves behavioral advice,
(Perri et al, 2001). The following is a seven PST step that can be used to address overweight in a
period of two weeks.
Definition of the problem
Clarification and definition of the problem, overweight in young children are adolescent
will prove to be difficult as their height is still increasing and the composition of their bodies is
bound to change over time, (Lowry et al 2000). Clarifying and defining the problem will turn out

PROBLEM SOLVING TREATMENT FOR WEIGHT LOSS 3
to be a tricky task. In order to determine overweight, the BMI percentile technique has been
adopted in the recent past as it measures the adiposity present in the students. Students with a
BMI percentile of over 25kg/m2 are considered to be overweight. The problem to be addressed
using the PST therapy is, therefore, to help a student with a BMI percentile value of over
25kg/m2, (Olson, 2017).
Setting of goals
The second step is setting realistic goals. For one to be successful in weight loss exercise,
one has to have an idea of what to do, Forman et al (2016). Weight loss goals should always be
SMART; Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and should have a Timeframe. In a span of
two weeks, a target of losing six pounds is SMART. Weight loss is a gradual and long-term
engagement and hence small targets are set to be met over time.
Strategies to achieve the goal
After setting the goal to be achieved in two weeks time, several plans can help achieve it.
Plans to help attain the weight loss are; going on diet, registering to a gym, making morning and
evening jogs or opting for weight loss medication. In this step of SPT, several weight loss plans
are listed so as one can have varied options to choose from.
Plan evaluation
Evaluation of plans, evaluation of plans is important to choose the best and the most
effective in order to achieve the set goal. Weight loss medication, there are pills on the market
today that help in weight loss. Most of them are prescribed by doctors to people who have
reached the obesity state. Those with complications related to weight such as high blood