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

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. 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 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. 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.