Mental consequences and alternative of psychological interventions in subjects with obesity

The obesity and overweight epidemic are affecting more and more people and is now a rapidly spreading global problem. Obese subjects, apart from presenting pathophysiological disorders that lead to diseases with acute and chronic complications, can also experience to behavioral and psycho-social functioning difficulties. There is evidence to show that obese people have lower self-esteem, a negative body image, less sense of self-efficacy and inability to change specific personal or social situations, and often suffer from mood disorders and depression. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this condition, medical or surgical treatment of obesity is generally not effective if the cooperation of doctors, nutritionists dietitians, and psychologists cannot be combined. Psychological interventions can accelerate and strengthen the effect of dietary treatment and physical activity, which are key elements to decrease excess body weight. The objective of the review is to evaluate the emotional consequences and alternative of psychological interventions in subjects with obesity.