Efficacy of cognitive behavioral group therapy on weight loss, quality of life and psychopathology in the treatment of obesity: Eight week follow-up study [Obezite tedavisinde biliflsel davranişçi grup terapisinin kilo verme, yaşam kalitesi ve psikopatolojiye etkileri: Sekiz haftalik çalism asi]

Objective: To investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy on weight loss, quality of life and psychopathology in the treatment of obesity after eight weeks. Method: Patients who suffered from obesity while attending the Ege University School of Medicine and were willing to participate in group therapy attended one of two groups consisting of 15 and 13 members. The participants completed the Revised Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R), Health-related quality of life by means of short-form 36 (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory, State-trait Anxiety Inventory, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, and Body Cathexis Scale. The treatment program consisted of eight group sessions weekly and 10 follow-up group sessions monthly of 90 minutes each for one year. The basic aim of the group therapy was goal oriented, with slow but stable weight loss, and change of lifestyle on eating behavior. Results: After eight weeks body mass index and weight decreased, SCL-90-R subscale scores were decreased, and SF-36 pain subscale score was increased, and no statistically meaningful difference was found in terms of weight loss and body mass index, when the sample was compared according to educational and income status. Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral group therapy was effective in terms of weight loss, decrease in psychiatric symptoms and pain after eight sessions. To identify the effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy on weight loss, quality of life, and psychopathology in the treatment of obesity, long term follow up studies are needed.