EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) IN IMPROVING NUTRITIONAL AND WEIGHT STATUS IN OVERWEIGHT ADOLESCENTS

Background and Aim: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of CBT on weight loss in obese and overweight adolescents. Methods: This study is a RCT that was conducted on 120 obese or overweight 13–18-year-old adolescents. They were selected from schools and randomly assigned to CBT or no treatment (control) group. BMI was measured at baseline and 6 months later with standard method. Food intake, Weight-Efficacy of Life style, quality of life nutrition, self-efficacy and Physical activity were asked by valid questionnaires. Intervention group received CBT according to protocol consisted of 6 weekly sessions. Data were analyzed by SPSS and ANCOVA test. All assessments were conducted at baseline and six months later .This study, with the IRCT2016110530707N1 code, was registered on the website of the IRCT.Results: Compared with the control, the adjustment of different confounders showed that the anthropometric variables decreased significantly compared to the control group( ZBMI=1.93 in CBT and ZBMI=2.18 in control, P<0.05). Also, there was significant increasing in behavioral physical activity, self-efficacy lifestyle, nutritional self-efficacy, physical activity and quality of life(P<0.05). Comparison of dietary intake in the two groups showed that a significant increasing in healthy food, a significant decreasing in unhealthy meals(P<0.05), although the amount of energy intake did not change significantlyConclusion: Six weekly cognitive behavioral therapy and a follow-up of 6 months could improve body mass index and anthropometric variables. Positive behavioral changes have led to improved lifestyle self-efficacy, nutritional and physical activity improved quality of life

Keywords:

obesity , overweight , nutritional status , CBT , self-efficacy , quality of life , physical activity