The Psychological Challenges of Weight Loss

Weight loss medications can change how you eat, think, and feel - but no one prepares you for the mental challenges of weight loss.

  • Even when your eating changes, the same old mindset can still hold you back — perfectionism, all-or-nothing thinking, not feeling good enough, emotional ups and downs, or ongoing body image struggles

  • It’s really common to feel unhappy with your appearance — even during or after weight loss. Most people assume it means they haven’t lost “enough,” when it’s actually a psychological pattern that can change with the right support

  • You might be eating less, but still feel pulled to weigh yourself, track every calorie, or constantly think about your body — making it hard to live freely without weight taking up so much space in your mind

Our Approach

Real, lasting change isn’t just about what you eat — it’s about how you think, feel, and respond. Without addressing the internal side of change, old mindsets and emotions can quietly hold you back. Here's how we can help.

  • Understand Why

    Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours can be really confusing. Our clients often ask “Why am I like this?”. Our first step is helping you understand why, because nobody is broken. There’s always a reason behind the way we think and act, and we'll help you understand why before taking action.

  • Manage Thoughts & Emotions

    Medication changes appetite, but it doesn’t change mindset. We'll teach you how to work with the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that can hold you back, even when weight changes.

  • Ongoing Support

    You can book 1-1 or group sessions with a Psychologist who specialises in eating behaviour to personalise what you’re learning, get feedback, and stay supported as you put new habits into practice.

Founder & Creator

Joe O'Brien

Psychologist

I’m Joe O’Brien, a Chartered Health Psychologist and the founder of Head First Health. I specialise in the area of Psychology and eating behaviour, and have been a consultant for one of the biggest global manufacturers of GLP-1 medication. I run a private practice for people who struggle with the psychological or emotional side of eating. I also train and supervise health professionals to use psychology safely in their practice. Head First Health was created to bridge the gap between physical and psychological change, with the idea that there is no real health without psychological health.

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