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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
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Successful weight loss with self-help: a stepped-care approach
Robert A Carels1, Carissa B Wott, Kathleen M Young
1Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA. rcarels@bgsu.edu
Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|June 13, 2009
Summary
This study shows that a stepped-care weight loss program is effective. Patients who received early intensive intervention after self-help improved their weight loss outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Obesity Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Stepped-care models offer a structured approach to treatment, starting with low-intensity interventions.
- Self-help programs are often the initial phase in stepped-care strategies for weight management.
- Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns requiring effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a self-help, stepped-care weight loss program.
- To compare outcomes between participants who remained in self-help versus those who were escalated to more intensive treatment.
- To determine the benefits of early intensive intervention for individuals not achieving weight loss goals with self-help alone.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 58 overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥27 kg/m(2)) participated in the weight loss program.
- Participants were predominantly female (89.7%) and Caucasian (93.1%), with a mean BMI of 36.6.
- Weight loss was assessed at follow-up for participants who remained in self-help versus those who were stepped-up.
Main Results:
- 57% of participants completing the self-help phase maintained an 8% weight loss at follow-up.
- Participants who were stepped-up self-monitored less and consumed more calories than those in self-help.
- Weight loss outcomes were similar between self-help completers and those stepped-up, but stepped-up individuals benefited from intervention.
Conclusions:
- A self-help, stepped-care weight loss program can be effective for a significant portion of participants.
- Escalating to more intensive treatment provides benefits for individuals who do not achieve success with initial self-help interventions.
- Early intervention is crucial for individuals struggling with weight loss in a stepped-care model.
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