Interdisciplinary lifestyle therapy improves binge eating symptoms and body image dissatisfaction in Brazilian obese adults.
BACKGROUND
Obesity is related to numerous negative consequences for physical and mental health. It is often associated with the presence of binge eating disorder, body image dissatisfaction, and general psychopathology.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of an interdisciplinary lifestyle therapy on binge eating symptoms, depression, anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life in obese adults.


METHODS
A total of 49 obese adults (body mass index = 37.35±5.82 kg/m²; age = 44.14±10.00 years) participated in a weight-loss program for 6 months. Symptoms suggestive of binge eating, body dissatisfaction, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were measured using self-reported questionnaires. Food intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA).


RESULTS
ANOVA results showed a reduction in binge eating symptoms and in body dissatisfaction results. Depression and anxiety symptoms also decreased, and an increase was observed in quality of life scores. After therapy, a significant improvement was observed in dietary patterns, as well as significant weight loss. A positive correlation was found between variation of anxiety symptoms and lipid intake. Binge eating symptoms were associated with anxiety symptoms and body image dissatisfaction, and body image dissatisfaction correlated positively with anxiety symptoms in males only. In females, a positive correlation was observed between depression and binge eating symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The interdisciplinary therapy was effective in promoting positive physical and psychological changes and in improving the quality of life of obese adults.
Obesity Study Group, Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil.
Joana Pereira de
JP
Carvalho-Ferreira
Obesity Study Group, Department of Health, Education, and Society, UNIFESP.
Marcos Alberto Taddeo
MA
Cipullo
Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Obesity Study Group, Department of Biosciences, UNIFESP.
Danielle Arisa
DA
Caranti
Obesity Study Group, Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil.
Deborah Cristina Landi
DC
Masquio
Obesity Study Group, Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil.
Stephan Garcia
SG
Andrade-Silva
Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Obesity Study Group, Department of Biosciences, UNIFESP.
Luciana Pellegrini
LP
Pisani
Graduate Programs in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Obesity Study Group, Department of Biosciences, UNIFESP.
Ana Raimunda
AR
Dâmaso