Group therapy for overweight individuals

Background: The impact of obesity is not limited to physiological consequences but extends to psychological ones, intertwined with cultural and social narratives about overweight people. Psychological difficulties may be linked to the development or maintenance of large body weight, suggesting a complex bidirectional relationship.

Aim: This review aimed to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of longer-term group based psychological interventions for overweight people.

Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out. Twelve papers were identified and reviewed. Narrative review format was employed.

Results: Most papers investigated CBT and third wave therapies. Longer-term group therapy was found to be effective for people who are overweight. Acceptability of the interventions was less clear. The CBT approach had the most support.

Implications: Psychological factors interact with the maintenance of larger weight and with intervention effects.
Further research, particularly more mixed methods, large-scale studies with a strong emphasis on subjective participants' experiences of the intervention, and samples representative of men, is crucial to deepen understanding and improve interventions for overweight individuals.

Conclusion: Longer-term group therapy holds promise for overweight people in helping improve their psychological well-being and aiding their physical health.