Behavioral treatment of obesity

Behavioral modification in the context of obesity treatment refers not to a single intervention scheme, but rather to a set of principles, which can be combined with other therapeutic approaches. The aim of applying behavior change strategies is to help the overweight/obese individual develop and sustain those skills needed to achieve the dietary and physical activity changes required to obtain a healthier weight. A number of techniques have been applied to this direction. Isolating each one of them and studying their effectiveness is very difficult, as a combination of those is usually employed to behavioral change programmes for obesity. However, a great bulk of scientific evidence exists supporting the use of behavioral change techniques for enhancing treatment effectiveness. Among those, mostly studied and commonly used are self-monitoring, goal setting, structured meal plan, and social support, the presentation of the relevant supporting data of which is the aim of the present review.