Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Habit Modification and Drug Adherence in Obesity

Abstract

The obesity is a global health problem, also it is increasing in adults and pediatric population, reducing life quality. Treatment must be interdisciplinary with elements of behavior modification on self-control, habit modifications, support networks and highlighting to adherence. Cognitive behavioral therapy, specifically on problem solving model, is efficient in treatment of anthropometric control, metabolic and behavioral indicators. Methods: Quasi-experimental, comparative, clinical and randomized study, n=100 adults of both sexes with an exogenous obesity diagnostic. The intervention was performed with an interdisciplinary treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy on problem solving model and 3mg. (0-0-1) of melatonin (50 subjects), comparing it with a group that only received the treatment by melatonin 3mg. (0-0-1) (50 subjects) per 8 months; the anthropometry and blood biochemical values (glucose, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) was evaluated after and before; dropout rate and adherence to the drug was evaluated every month. A bioimpedance machine was used. Results: The analysis demonstrated in eight months that the problem solving model with melatonin group got an adherence average of 80% (p= .05); in comparison with melatonin group that showed an average of 48% (p= .05). Relating to anthropometry and blood biochemical values, problem solving model and melatonin group got better effectiveness (p= .05). Conclusions Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with melatonin, was more effective in anthropometric indicators, blood chemistry and mainly in adherence, confirming the importance of the incursion of effective psychological techniques that contribute to the management of obesity.