A comparison of a behavioral weight loss program to a stress management program: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Clinical Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity is a complex health issue requiring effective interventions.
• Behavioral weight loss (BWL) and stress management programs are common approaches.
• Comparing these programs is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of BWL versus Emotional Brain Training (EBT) for weight loss.
• To assess the impact of both programs on blood pressure, depression, perceived stress, diet, and physical activity.
• To determine the sustainability of improvements at 10 and 20 weeks.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 49 participants with a BMI between 28 and 45 kg/m(2).
• Participants were assigned to either a 20-week BWL or EBT program.
• Measurements included weight, blood pressure, depression, perceived stress, diet, and physical activity, assessed at baseline, 10, and 20 weeks.

Main Results:

• BWL showed significantly greater BMI changes than EBT at both 10 and 20 weeks.
• Both programs improved BMI, systolic blood pressure, depression, and perceived stress by 10 weeks.
• EBT maintained improvements in BMI, systolic blood pressure, depression, and perceived stress at 20 weeks, while BWL maintained only BMI and depression improvements.

Conclusions:

• BWL is more effective for initial weight loss compared to EBT.
• EBT demonstrates sustained benefits for stress, depression, and systolic blood pressure.
• Future research should explore the synergistic effects of combining BWL and EBT.