Dietary treatment for obesity reduces BMI and improves eating psychopathology, self-esteem and mood

M.Q. Werrij, S. Mulkens, H.J. Hospers, Y. Smits-de Bruyn, A.T.M. Jansen

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Abstract

Objectives: In the present study the hypothesis was tested that a regular dietary treatment for obesity that is primarily directed at decreasing weight will also decrease concerns about shape, weight and eating, will reduce binge eating and will improve mood and self-esteem. Moreover we investigated whether a group treatment and an individual treatment were equally effective. Method: Fifty-four obese participants followed either a group treatment (n=31) or an individual treatment (n=23) provided by dieticians. Results: The data showed that overall, BMI weight concerns and depressive symptoms de decreased and self-esteem increased. The percentage of bingers decreased marginally significantly. For dietary restraint eating concerns and shape concerns group treatment led to grate changes than individual treatment. Conclusions: Although the dietary treatment was not aimed at changing psychological characteristics patients significantly improved on measures of eating related and general psychopathology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8-14
JournalNetherlands Journal of Psychology
Volume64
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

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