A multidisciplinary weight-loss program: the importance of psychological group therapy

Gustavo Duarte Ferrari,Rosane Pilot Pena Ribeiro,Leonardo Medeiros,Bernard Pimentel Rangé,Carmem Beatiz Neufeld,Milton Azevedo,Carlos Roberto Bueno Júnior

doi:10.1590/s1980-6574201700010007

Abstract

Abstract — In addition to dietary factors and sedentary habits, there is a relationship between obesity and psychological variables, even without a clear distinction between cause, effect, and correlation. Despite this relationship, weight-loss programs are limited to a combination of nutrition and physical education, leaving psychological intervention out of the treatment plan. Self-esteem issues, depression, and anxiety are just some of the emotional conditions related to obesity. However, there is no information in the literature about the importance of psychological counseling in a multidisciplinary program for weight-loss in adults. In this context, the main objective of this study was to analyze the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy in groups (CBTG) combined with nutrition and physical education within a multidisciplinary approach to treat obesity. 46 individuals (7 men and 39 women) were divided into two groups: control (GC) and psychology (GP). Baseline and intervention measures were obtained prior to intervention and before the final meeting,including physical capacity tests and the administering the International Physical Activities Questionnaire (IPAQ). Both groups attended weekly lectures given by a nutritionist and two physical education professionals for 12 weeks. In addition, the GP participated in weekly sessions of CBTG for the same period. After the program, there were significant changes in body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, and strength of the lower limbs in both groups. In addition to these changes, the GP also showed improvements in diastolic blood pressure and IPAQ scores, being the only one that increased its time of weekly physical activity. Thus, it was concluded that the psychological treatment might play an important role in a multidisciplinary weight-loss program.Keywords: obesity, exercise, nutrition, cognitive-behavioral group therapy

Highlights

Obesity and overweight are considered a worldwide health problemof pandemic proportions[1] that affects approximately 35% of the world’s adult population[2]
The groups differed only in blood pressure values, as shown in Table 1, but this difference disappeared after the intervention when PG diastolic blood pressure values were subsequently reduced to levels considered normal[25]
The aim of our study was to evaluate the importance of psychological counseling within a multidisciplinary approach to weight reduction in obese adults without the direct application of exercise sessions and dietary control

Summary

Introduction

Obesity and overweight are considered a worldwide health problemof pandemic proportions[1] that affects approximately 35% of the world’s adult population[2]. Dietary control associated with physical activity is extremely important for the maintenance of healthy weight and/or weightloss. It is possible to estimate that a beneficial result may occur on an intervention period, everlasting changes in lifestyle are required to improve health and reduce life-threatening complications. The authors created a table of the main factors that lead to successful weight-loss, including self-control, autonomy, ability to cope with cravings, better confidence, ability to relate to others, self-efficacy, “healthy narcissism,” and stability in life. Such aspects are specific to each person andhighlighting the need for an individualized approach to weight management

Objectives

Results

Conclusion