Behavior Modification In The Treatment Of Obesity

Abstract

This review addresses the three most common components used in helping individuals deal with weight loss from a behavioral perspective. Relevant literature and recent findings are reviewed and summarized, showing that programs containing behavioral techniques, along with an emphasis on diet and exercise, tend to lead to improved results. Factors related to better weight loss outcomes include assessing empathically, setting reasonable goals, enhancing a sense of self-determination, seeing a patient more frequently, focusing on decreasing caloric intake, and encouraging regular physical activity. Newer technologies, such as Internet- and smartphone-based interventions, seem promising but lack sufficient research evidence at this point. It is also clear that just as reasons for weight gain are patient specific, treatments likely do best when they are more highly individualized. This review contains 3 figures, 2 tables and 33 references Key words: behavior, cognitive restructuring, decision tree, 5As, intervention, mindfulness, modification, motivation, obesity, relapse prevention, self-monitoring, stages of change, stimulus control, treatment, weight loss