Rapid Weight Loss May Require Therapy Too

Patients with significant weight loss — some using bariatric surgery — often need therapy to address intimacy issues, says a U.S. psychotherapist.

Mary Jo Rapini, a psychotherapist at the Methodist Hospital Weight Management Center in Houston, says the lack of intimacy often associated with obesity is rarely discussed.

Rapini explained that intimacy is not sex, but sensuality, sexuality, love and wishing good will on another person. In addition, many who have a large weight loss have never experienced touching, eye contact and compliments.

Intimacy therapy is critical for most patients who undergo rapid weight loss, because they must learn to accept and appreciate their bodies in order to enjoy close relationships with others, as well as learn to not hide behind their weight or use food to medicate themselves in tough social situations, according to Rapini.