Abstract

I Can Beat Obesity! is not just about losing weight. It is about changing your psychological mindset and finding the drive and strength to improve your health. Having recovered from disordered eating herself, Nicola Davies recognises that beating obesity is not about fad diets and yo-yoing weight, but about your psychological motivation, confidence and skills to both lose weight and prevent relapse in the long term.

The workbook style exercises will help you to develop key self-help tools for overcoming obesity. Focussing on building your emotional wellbeing in areas such as self-worth, confidence and working towards goals before making changes to diet, this will be an essential companion on the path to maintaining control of your weight and recovering your health and wellbeing.

A refreshingly clear and well written book providing insight into the origins and causes of obesity, before taking the reader through a structured and scientifically based set of strategies for losing weight. On the way, it provides a realistic guide to healthy weight. Highly recommended.
Dr Tony Cassidy, Professor of Child & Family Health Psychology at Ulster University
This is a great book which manages to combine the science of body weight and eating behaviour with extremely helpful tips on how to beat obesity, and is written in an accessible and inspiring way that should be a breath of fresh air to anyone who is struggling with their weight.
Jane Ogden, professor in Health Psychology and author of several books on eating behaviour including The Good Parenting Food Guide
Kudos to Dr Nicola Davies for having written an elucidative, intelligible and earnest guide for those who are considering to embark upon the journey to beat obesity. The book equips you to overcome this health hazard in an organized, hands-on fashion!
Dr Vandana Mathur (PhD Nutrition), nutrition and lifestyle consultant
Dr Nicola Davies' latest book is an excellent read for both professionals and individuals alike. The approach is balanced between evidence and practical approaches for those wanting to understand the psychology of making a positive change to behaviours. The inclusion of self-reflection in each chapter enables the reader to maintain a connection and truly engage with the process of change.
Gil Barton MSc PgCert FRSPH FHEA, health and wellbeing specialist and founder of The Healthy Workstyle Consultancy
Nicola Davies shows us the bigger picture of obesity ... She is both a specialist and supporting companion, helping the reader prepare for change and encouraging self-reflection.
Mateusz Banaszkiewicz, Health Psychologist, lecturer at SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities
There is so much conflicting information out there - "eat this, don't eat that" - Nicola's book instead focuses on the psychological barriers to change and the behaviours that have led to obesity in the first place. Helping people make even the smallest change by developing a deeper understanding of self is key to long term change.
Geraint Thomas, personal trainer and former professional rugby player
Dr Nicola Davies is a health psychologist, counsellor, and writer specialising in raising awareness about health and well-being. She is a member of the British Psychological Society and the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Nicola also keeps a health psychology blog and runs an online forum for counsellors. Nicola is the co-author of the Eating Disorder Recovery Handbook (ISBN 9781785921339), also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
I've battled with weight for years, tried numerous diets, resorting to bariatric surgery. However, for continued success, I need to understand myself. This book is inspirational, very practical and encouraging and I believe it will be a great tool in helping people understand themselves and achieve the success they seek.
Patricia King, Accredited Counsellor / Supervisor at Patricia King Counselling Services
Dr Nicola Davies has clearly understood that the key to losing weight is not only in the food we choose to eat, but also in our journey of self-discovery. This book is an excellent resource and self-help aid, and one I will find incredibly useful to use with my patients. I believe it will not only help them to understand the basic science behind obesity, but also enable them to have an insight into themselves and begin to understand the challenges they face to change their behaviour.
Jane DeVille-Almond, SRN SCM HV, BA(Hons) PGcert, Independent Nurses Consultant and Chair of the British Obesity Society
I Can Beat Obesity! is a delightful book full of important information for those who want to join this journey... trigger yourself to change and believe in yourself. When you develop that cornerstone of self-confidence, your life will change, affecting every aspect of your world; your health, your success and relationships will benefit, helping you to achieve your goals.
Konstantia Keramidaki, health and wellness consultant