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Effects of cognitive–behavioural therapy on health-related quality of life in obese subjects with and without binge eating disorder

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effects of cognitive–behavioural therapy on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in obese patients, in relation to binge eating disorder.

DESIGN: Longitudinal, clinical intervention study consisting of structured sessions of cognitive–behavioural therapy, preceded by sessions chaired by a psychologist in subjects with binge eating.

SUBJECTS: Two groups of obese patients (92 treated by cognitive–behavioural therapy (77 females); 76 untreated controls (67 female), selected from the waiting list (control group)). Of 92 treated patients, 46 had a binge eating disorder at psychometric testing and structured clinical interview.

MEASUREMENTS: Health-related quality of life by means of Short-Form 36 questionnaire at baseline and after 3–5 months.

RESULTS: Cognitive–behavioural treatment produced an average weight loss of 9.4±7.5 kg, corresponding to a BMI reduction of 3.48±2.70 kg/m2. No changes were observed in the control group. All scales of HRQL improved in treated subjects (by 5–19%). In obese subjects with binge eating weight loss was lower in comparison to non-bingers (7.7±8.1 vs 11.1±6.6; P=0.034). However, the improvement in HRQL was on average larger, and significantly so for Role Limitation—Physical (P=0.006), Role Limitation—Emotional (P=0.002), Vitality (P=0.003), Mental Health (P=0.032) and Social Functioning (P=0.034). Bodily Pain was the sole scale whose changes paralleled changes in body weight.

CONCLUSIONS: The positive effects of cognitive–behavioural therapy, mainly in subjects with binge eating, largely outweigh the effects on body weight, resulting in a significant change in self-perceived health status.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are indebted to psychologists Francesca Visani and Simonetta Migliorini for their helpful assistance. The study was supported by a grant from University of Bologna, Fondi ex 60%, 2000.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Unit of Metabolic Diseases, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    G Marchesini, S Natale, S Chierici, R Manini, L Besteghi, S Di Domizio, A Sartini, F Pasqui, L Baraldi, G Forlani & N Melchionda

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  1. G Marchesini
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  2. S Natale
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  3. S Chierici
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Correspondence to G Marchesini.

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Marchesini, G., Natale, S., Chierici, S. et al. Effects of cognitive–behavioural therapy on health-related quality of life in obese subjects with and without binge eating disorder. Int J Obes 26, 1261–1267 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802073

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