Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions in Weight Loss of People with Body Mass Index of 30 or Above (Obesity)

Objective: obesity is a major health problem. nowadays approximately one-third of the world population suffer from obesity which is frequently accompanied with serious medical and emotional problems. three main evidence-based options exist for the treatment of obese individuals: lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral treatment in treating of patients with obesity. methods: three women with body mass index of 30 kg/m2 or more were selected by purposive sampling method to take a part in an a-b single subject design with follow up. patients responded to the multidimensional body-self relations questionnaire-appearance scales (mbsrq-as), binge eating scale (bes) and rosenberg self-esteem scale (rses) at 3 stages of baseline (pre-treatment), treatment (2nd, 4th , 6th , 8th, 10th, and 12th sessions), and follow up. in addition, weighing of patients was carried out at beginning of each session. data were analyzed by graphs and improvement rates. results: results showed that therapy was effective in weight loss, reduction of binge eating, and maintaining of weight loss. it also increased body image satisfaction but failed in selfesteem improvement. conclusion: the cognitive-behavioral treatment was effective in treating of obese patients. this treatment outcome data are consistent with cognitive-behavioral treatment of obesity proposed by other scientists.