Research Plus

Behavioural interventions for obesity

A systematic review of behavioural and psychotherapeutic approaches to obesity management concludes that there is generally poor quality evidence on the impact of such interventions. Studies that are available suggest that relaxation therapy and hypnotherapy are ineffective. And while there is some evidence that weight-loss programmes using behaviour therapy and lifestyle modification can help short-term weight-loss, these are not sustained in the longer term. There is evidence to suggest that long-term maintenance programmes may help to support lasting behavioural changes and to prevent weight regain.

Psychotherapie Psychosomatik Medizinische Psychologie 2007; 57(11): 420–427 [In German, English abstract].

Tags evidence based practice obesity

Occupational Health at Work December/January 2007/2008 (vol. 04/4) pp38