By Dr. Asnat Raziel, bariatric surgeon specializing in obesity treatment, metabolic health and healthy longevity; Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Obesity Treatment, Assia Medical, Assuta Ramat HaChayal, Tel Aviv

The holistic approach to obesity: seeing the whole person

The holistic approach to obesity sees each person as a complete system of body, mind and spirit. Its aim is to create balance among all of these parts. Traditional methods focus mainly on cutting calories and increasing physical activity. By contrast, this approach combines several elements, including nutrition and exercise. In addition, it covers stress management, quality sleep (in Hebrew) and social support. What’s more, it includes personal fulfillment. So the goal is not just weight loss. Instead, the aim is to improve the person’s overall quality of life.

Six foundations of the holistic approach to obesity

At the heart of the approach are six core foundations of a healthy lifestyle:

1. Balanced nutrition

   A balanced diet relies mainly on plant foods. It means eating more vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and nuts. In addition, I recommend cutting back sharply on processed foods and sugars.

2. Physical activity

   Make exercise a regular part of your routine. Its purpose is not only to burn calories but also to improve your overall health. Exercise also strengthens the body and lifts your mood.

3. Quality sleep

   Good sleep is essential for hormonal balance. It helps regulate hunger and fullness, and it boosts your energy. You can read more in my article on sleep and metabolic health.

4. Stress management

   Mindfulness, meditation and deep breathing exercises are all useful tools here. The aim is to reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress. As a result, cortisol levels fall and the hormones that affect weight come back into balance. I explain this link further in my article on stress and obesity.

5. Social support

   Social support matters because it connects you to a supportive environment. Such connections are a significant factor in successful long-term change.

6. Self-fulfillment

   Self-fulfillment is a central part of the process of change. It grows as patients learn to identify personal goals and understand what truly motivates them. Connecting with interests and activities that bring satisfaction and meaning also plays a part. This connection strengthens a sense of worth, purpose and belonging. In turn, it supports deep and stable change over time.

How I apply the holistic approach to obesity treatment

When I apply the holistic approach to obesity treatment, I draw on more than 30 years of experience in surgery and medicine.

My treatment combines knowledge from integrative medicine, positive psychology and holistic coaching. First, during the consultation, I carry out a thorough assessment. It includes a medical evaluation, an in-depth review of lifestyle and a look at the emotional dynamics that affect weight. Based on this assessment, I then build a personalized treatment plan. The plan includes nutrition recommendations, stress-reduction practices and coaching toward personal goals. When needed, it also includes medication or surgery as part of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

I see medication as a supportive tool that increases fullness and helps you control hunger better. My obesity medication guide explains the options in detail. However, long-term success depends first and foremost on a deep and lasting change in lifestyle.