Abstract
BackgroundDepression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together. An integrated group cognitive behavioural therapy program was therefore developed to simultaneously address comorbid depression and obesity.MethodsTwenty-four participants (63% women, mean age 46 years) who screened positively for depression with a body mass index ≥25 were recruited from a self-referred general population sample. The group therapy program (10 two-hour weekly sessions) was examined in a single-arm, before-after pilot trial, conducted in a behavioural health clinic in Adelaide, Australia. Primary outcomes included survey and assessment-based analyses of depression, anxiety, body image, self-esteem, and weight (kg), assessed at four time-points: baseline, post-intervention, three-months and 12-months post program. Eighteen participants (75%) completed the program and all assessments.ResultsSignificant improvements in depression, anxiety, self-esteem and body shape concern scores, several quality of life domains, eating behaviours and total physical activity (among others) – but not weight – were observed over the course of the trial.ConclusionsResults from this pilot trial suggest that combining interventions for depression and obesity may be useful. Further development of the program, particularly regarding the potential for physical health benefits, and a randomised controlled trial, are warranted.Trial registrationTrial registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12617001079336, 13 July 2017. Retrospectively registered after date of the first consent (6 July 2017), but before the date of the first intervention session (20 July 2017).
Highlights
Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together
Depression is recognised as the single greatest contributor to global disability, accounting for 7.5% of all YLD (Years Lived with Disability), and afflicting over 300 million people worldwide [1]
Obesity is typically assessed using the Body Mass Index [BMI = weight/height (m)2]
Summary
Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns that commonly occur together. Depression and obesity are significant global health concerns. Weight gain is commonly experienced, and as outlined below, there are clear reciprocal links between depression and being overweight or obese [8]. Current estimates suggest that nearly 30% of the world’s population is overweight or obese, with even higher numbers in developed countries such as in Australia (64%) and the United States (68%) [11, 12]. “obese” or “obesity” will comprise both clinical categories (overweight and obesity, i.e. BMI ≥ 25). Obesity is associated with greater risk of health problems including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, high blood pressure and certain cancers [16, 17]. Obesity can negatively impact a range of psychosocial factors such as sociability, willingness to exercise, body image and selfesteem [15]
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