Evaluating a comprehensive weight control programme for obesity management : the consideration of psychological factors in treatment outcome

Obesity (BMI > 30 kg I m2) is a major health and psychosocial problem worldwide, for which no single consistently effective intervention has been found. In particular, obesity has a substantial impact on psychological well-being. Positive value is given to thinness in western society, thus stereotyping the obese as aesthetically displeasing, and subjecting them to prejudice and discrimination. Psychological distress often observed in obese individuals, can be seen as a direct ' consequence rather than a cause of their condition. The high prevalence of obesity in all South African racial groups is striking, however, as yet no formal weight loss clinics exist in either outpatient or primary health care settings in this country. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 24-week comprehensive behavioural weight management programme (CWCP) for outpatients, paying particular attention to psychological factors. The programme consisted of eating behaviour modification, nutrition education and increased activity levels. A randomised controlled trial was designed, and obese volunteers (n = 155), recruited through media advertisements, were assigned to either the experimental (CWCP) or control group (who received standard treatment). Four trained dieticians conducted the weekly, one-hour group sessions at Tygerberg Hospital. Subjects were required to undergo baseline, three, six and twelve month assessments, which included demographic, anthropometric and psychological measures. The psychological tests used consisted of the Beck Depression Inventory, The Robson Self-esteem Scale, The Eating Inventory, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, and the Stress Vulnerability Scale.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

1996

Author dc:creator

• Tibbs, Jason Connaught Dennett

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Louw , Johann
• Le Grange, Daniel

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/9508

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/9508