Integrated Behavioral Interventions for Adults with Comorbid Obesity and Depression: a Systematic Review

To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on the effects of integrated behavioral interventions for comorbid obesity and depression in adults.

Seven trials (n = 33 to 409) were included. The quality of evidence was mixed. In 2 trials, integrated interventions led to greater improvements in both obesity and depression over 12 months, compared with usual care. Of 4 trials comparing integrated interventions with a standalone obesity intervention, 2 showed incremental effects on depression only, and 2 did not detect a significant effect for either outcome. One 3-arm trial compared an integrated intervention with standalone obesity and depression interventions and only detected incremental effects on obesity when compared with a standalone depression intervention. The effects of integrated interventions for comorbid obesity and depression are varied but promising. Implications for future research to guide intervention optimization and implement integrated interventions in clinical practice are provided.