Comparison of the effectiveness of cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model on body mass index and psychological well-being of obese women

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the effect of cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model on weight loss and quality of life and well-being associated with obesity in overweight and obese women. Methods: The study was a quasi-experimental study with pre-test and post-test and a control group. The statistical population included all women in Tehran with the age range 21-43 years, and body mass index higher than 25. For this purpose, 45 women volunteers were selected based on inclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three groups. Both interventions were held in twelve 90-minute weekly sessions. Subjects in three groups answered the Obesity-Related Well-Being questionnaire before and end of the third and seventh months and their body mass index was also calculated. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and repeated measures analysis of variance test. Results: Both cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model improved body mass index and obesity-related well-being (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two interventions in modifying the research variables (P>0.05).Conclusion: Cognitive therapy and lifestyle modification based on LEARN model improved reduced body weight by correcting destructive beliefs and unhealthy behaviors of overweight and obese women.