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Evaluation of a modified cognitive–behavioural programme for weight management

International Journal of Obesity volume 24, pages 1726–1737 (2000)Cite this article

Abstract

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)≥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.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part through a grant from Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Health Authority.

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  1. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, ICRF Health Behaviour Unit, University College London, London, UK

    L Rapoport, M Clark & J Wardle

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Correspondence to J Wardle.

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Rapoport, L., Clark, M. & Wardle, J. Evaluation of a modified cognitive–behavioural programme for weight management. Int J Obes 24, 1726–1737 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801465

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Keywords

  • obesity
  • cognitive–behavioural therapy
  • dieting
  • non-dieting

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