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Multidimensional behavioural programmes
Page 366 Black blue 366 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY However, it is now generally accepted that obesity is not simply a behavioural problem and as Brownell and Steen said somewhat optimistically in 1987 ‘psychological problems are no longer inferred simply because an individual is overweight’. Therefore, traditional behavioural programmes make some unsubstantiated assumptions about the causes of obesity by encouraging the obese to eat ‘normally’ like individuals of normal weight. Multidimensional behavioural programmes The failure of traditional treatment packages for obesity resulted in longer periods of treatment, an emphasis on follow-up and the introduction of a multidimensional perspective to obesity treatment. Recent comprehensive, multidimensional cognitive– behavioural packages aim to broaden the perspective for obesity treatment and combine traditional self-monitoring methods with information, exercise, cognitive restructuring, attitude change and relapse prevention (e.g. Brownell 1990). Brownell and Wadden (1991) emphasized the need for a multidimensional approach, the importance of screening patients for entry onto a treatment programme and the need to match the individual with the most appropriate package. State-of-the-art behavioural treatment programmes aim to encourage the obese to eat less than they do usually rather than encouraging them to eat less than the non-obese. Analysis of the effectiveness of this treatment approach suggests that average weight loss during the treatment programme is 0.5 kg per week, that approximately 60–70 per cent of the weight loss is maintained during the first year but that follow-up at three and five years tends to show weight gains back to baseline weight (Brownell and Wadden 1992). In a comprehensive review of the treatment interventions for obesity, Wilson (1994) suggested that although there has been an improvement in the effectiveness of obesity treatment since the 1970s, success rates are still poor. Wadden (1993) examined both the short- and long-term effectiveness of both moderate and severe caloric restriction on weight loss. He reviewed all the studies involving randomized control trials in four behavioural journals and compared his findings with those of Stunkard (1958). Wadden (1993) concluded that, ‘Investigators have made significant progress in inducing weight loss in the 35 years since Stunkard’s review.’ He states that 80 per cent of patients will now stay in treatment for 20 weeks and that 50 per cent will achieve a weight loss of 20 lb or more. Therefore, modern methods of weight loss produce improved results in the short term. However, Wadden also concludes that ‘most obese patients treated in research trials still regain their lost weight’. This conclusion has been further supported by a systematic review of interventions for the treatment and prevention of obesity, which identified 92 studies that fitted the authors’ inclusion criteria (NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination 1997). The review examined the effectiveness of dietary, exercise, behavioural, pharmacological and surgical interventions for obesity and concluded that ‘the majority of the studies included in the present review demonstrate weight regain either during treatment or post intervention’. Accordingly, the picture for long-term weight loss is as pessimistic as it ever was. Page 366 Black blue