Evaluation of a modified cognitive-behavioural programme for weight management.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a modified cognitive-behavioural treatment (M-CBT) for weight management which addresses both the psychosocial costs and the physiological health risks of obesity, without a focus on weight loss.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial comparing M-CBT with standard cognitive-behavioural therapy (S-CBT).

SUBJECTS: Sixty-three overweight women with body mass index (BMI) > or = 28 kg/m2, mean age = 47.5 and mean BMI = 35.4.

MEASURES: Weight, waist and hip circumference, blood lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure, psychological well-being, depression, self esteem, stress, binge eating, eating style, body image, nutrient intake, aerobic fitness, activity levels, patient satisfaction with treatment.

RESULTS

Both M-CBT and S-CBT achieved improvements in a broad range of physical, psychological and behavioural variables. Weight loss in the S-CBT group was greater than in the M-CBT group immediately after treatment, but both groups lost weight. Participants in the M-CBT group continued to lose weight up to the 1 y follow-up. M-CBT was evaluated positively by participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Both M-CBT and S-CBT programmes were successful at inducing modest weight loss, as well as improving emotional well-being, reducing distress, increasing activity and fitness, improving dietary quality and reducing cardio-vascular disease risk factors. The improvements were maintained or continued at 1 y follow-up. These results suggest that treatment based on the new weight-control paradigm which emphasizes sustained lifestyle change without emphasis on dieting, can produce modest benefits to health and well-being.