A randomized controlled trial of behavioral weight loss treatment versus combined weight loss/depression treatment among women with comorbid obesity and depression.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is associated with clinical depression among women. However, depressed women are often excluded from weight loss trials.


OBJECTIVE
This study examined treatment outcomes among women with comorbid obesity and depression.


METHODS
Two hundred three (203) women were randomized to behavioral weight loss (n = 102) or behavioral weight loss combined with cognitive-behavioral depression management (n = 101).


RESULTS
Average participant age was 52 years; mean baseline body mass index was 39 kg/m(2). Mean Patient Health Questionnaire and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-20) scores indicated moderate to severe baseline depression. Weight loss and SCL-20 changes did not differ between groups at 6 or 12 months in intent-to-treat analyses (p = 0.26 and 0.55 for weight, p = 0.70 and 0.25 for depressive symptoms).


CONCLUSIONS
Depressed obese women lost weight and demonstrated improved mood in both treatment programs. Future weight loss trials are encouraged to enroll depressed women.
Linde
Jennifer A
JA
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. linde074@umn.edu
Simon
Gregory E
GE
Ludman
Evette J
EJ
Ichikawa
Laura E
LE
Operskalski
Belinda H
BH
Arterburn
David
D
Rohde
Paul
P
Finch
Emily A
EA
Jeffery
Robert W
RW
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007061:Idaho / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology; D015431:Weight Loss