The efficacy of cognitive behavioral group therapy in women with obesity antidepressant treatment

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effects of a structured cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) on weight loss, depression, anxiety, body image and self-esteem levels in women with obesity treatment and to show that cognitive behavioral therapy may also be effective in the treatment of obese women receiving antidepressant medication in our study. Methods: Fourteen sessions of CBGT were administered to 28 obese female patients who met inclusion criteria. Measurement and clinical scale application were made before and after the therapy. Six months after the therapy, the patients were asked about their weight by phone call. Sociodemographic Information Form, body mass index (BMI) monitoring, DSM-IV based Structured Clinical Interview, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90) were applied to the cases. Results: A statistically significant decrease in patients' weight and body mass index were found after 14 sessions of therapy (p<0,001). Statistically significant difference were found about the BDI (p=0,009), TAI (p=0,020), SCL-90 (p=0,001), SF-36 physical function (p=0.035), SF-36 general health (p=0.004), SF-36 social function (p=0.034) scores between the beginning and the end of the therapy. There was no statistically significant difference between the measurements of BMIs at the end of therapy and at the end of therapy. Conclusion: We can say that the method we applied with the findings obtained works. According to this, CBGT is a suitable treatment method for obese people in controlling BMI, providing psychological well-being and improving quality of life.