S.T.A.R.T Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders hosts a Healthy Lifestyle and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Group to teach clients who have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 how to eat well, get active and remain motivated to change.  We meet once a week for 2 hours to discuss cooking ideas, types of foods to try, how to grocery shop. We engage in group stretching and mild aerobic exercise. In the summer we hope to begin taking walks outside.  It is unique in that both a psychologist and naturopathic doctor run the group together.

Our health promotion activities provide detailed education about nutrition, specifically about glycemic index and its relationship to mood.  We then focus on how to moderate one's glycemic index through the consumption of high fibre foods.  We promote general healthy living which incorporates smoking cessation, metabolic syndrome, etc.

We haven't as of yet explored peer leadership opportunities, but have a strong interest to do so.

Members who join the group pay a fee, but we waive the fee or offer discounts for those who require it.

Individuals on the program are on a multitude of medications, many of which cause them to develop intense food cravings. Teaching methods to combat food cravings has been a challenge. As well, many of these individuals gained weight rapidly (10lbs/month), and as a result have a very poor image of themselves.  Working on re-establishing a sense of self-worth has been challenging.  However, once the skills are learned and incorporate the concepts of healthy eating and physical activity, many of the individuals have had good weight loss success.

For more information, contact:
Baljit Khamba, Naturopathic Doctor
S.T.A.R.T Clinic for Mood and Anxiety Disorders
32 Park Road
Toronto, Ontario  M4W 2N4
Phone: 416-598-9344
E-mail: bkhamba [at] startclinic [dot] ca
 

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