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Psychological interventions for overweight or obesity
K Shaw1, P O'Rourke, C Del Mar
1Public and Environmental Health Unit, Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Unit, 3 / 90 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 7000. kelly.shaw@dhhs.tas.gov.au
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|April 23, 2005
Summary
Psychological interventions, especially behavioral and cognitive-behavioral strategies, significantly aid weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. These methods are most effective when combined with diet and exercise programs for sustained results.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Overweight and obesity represent escalating global health challenges with significant contributions to noncommunicable disease burdens.
- Effective, sustained weight management strategies are crucial for public health initiatives worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the efficacy of psychological interventions in promoting sustained weight loss among overweight and obese adults.
- To compare the effectiveness of various psychological approaches, alone and in combination with lifestyle modifications.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases up to June 2003.
- Inclusion criteria specified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of psychological interventions versus control, with weight change as an outcome, a minimum follow-up of three months, and adult participants (BMI > 25 kg/m²).
- Independent data extraction, quality assessment, and meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model were performed.
Main Results:
- Thirty-six RCTs involving 3495 participants met the inclusion criteria.
- Behavior therapy as a standalone intervention yielded significant weight reduction (WMD -2.5 kg).
- Combined behavior therapy with diet/exercise interventions showed greater weight loss (WMD -4.9 kg for cognitive-behavior therapy) compared to diet/exercise alone. Increased intervention intensity also correlated with greater weight reduction (WMD -2.3 kg).
Conclusions:
- Psychological interventions, particularly behavioral and cognitive-behavioral strategies, are effective in enhancing weight reduction for overweight and obese individuals.
- These interventions demonstrate maximal benefit when integrated with dietary and exercise programs.
- While behavioral and cognitive-behavioral approaches are well-supported by evidence, the efficacy of other psychological interventions requires further rigorous evaluation.