Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Weight Loss of People with Body Mass Index of 30 or Above (Obesity)

Objective: Obesity is a major health problem. Nowadays approximately one-third of the world population suffer from obesity which is frequently accompanied with serious medical and emotional problems. Three main evidence-based options exist for the treatment of obese individuals: lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment in treating of patients with obesity. Methods: Three women with body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more were selected by purposive sampling method to take a part in an A-B single subject design with follow up. Patients responded to the multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire-appearance scales (MBSRQ-AS), Binge eating scale (BES) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES) at 3 stages of baseline (pre-treatment), treatment (2nd, 4th , 6th , 8th, 10th, and 12th sessions), and follow up. In addition, weighing of patients was carried out at beginning of each session. Data were analyzed by graphs and improvement rates. Results: Results showed that therapy was effective in weight loss, reduction of binge eating,and maintaining of weight loss. It also increased body image satisfaction but failed in selfesteem improvement. Conclusion: The cognitive-behavioral treatment was effective in treating of obese patients. This treatment outcome data are consistent with cognitive-behavioral treatment of obesity proposed by other scientists.