Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Obesity

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered a powerful psychological tool when combating obesity, especially if the obesity is caused by a binge eating disorder. There are several key facts about CBT reported in "The Binge Eating and Compulsive Overeating Workbook" authored by Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH.

Basics

CBT, unlike some other forms of psychotherapy, is based on the idea that negative thought patterns are a key cause of unwanted conditions such as obesity.

Time Frame

The therapy is considered a short-term solution to help empower patients and thus usually does not last more than six months.

Focus

CBT allows the patient and therapist to focus on changing thoughts -- and thus behaviors -- that can contribute to eating disorders creating obesity.

Benefits

Patients studied within a year of receiving CBT for binge eating usually reduced their days of binging by 55 percent.

Dieting and CBT

A moderation approach, rather than extremes of starvation dieting or bingeing, are recommended and implemented when an obese patient undergoes CBT.

References

• "The Binge Eating and Compulsive Overeating Workbook;" Carolyn Coker Ross, MD, MPH; 2009