An investigation of the usefulness of videofeedback in the treatment of obesity

Journal/Book: Clin Psychol Psychother. 1995; 2: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 192-198.

Abstract: Obesity is not classified as an eating disorder because of the lack of compelling evidence that it results from or is characterized by abnormal eating behaviour. However, in common with anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the obese condition is associated with body image distortion (Bruch, 1973; Garner et al., 1976). Although the role of body image disturbance in the development and maintenance of eating disorders is as yet unclear, it is generally accepted that normalization of body image is an important aspect of treatment, and may even be a precondition for recovery (Bruch, 1962). To date the role of body image for obesity has not been afforded the same importance. The present study was designed to examine body image in obesity, and to determine the effectiveness of three interventions (videofeedback, C.B.T. and dietetic) in terms of improvement in body image. Weight changes achieved by interventions were also noted, and the limitations associated with any attempt to attribute these to manipulation of body image acknowledged. Thirteen female obese patients were monitored over a treatment period of five months with 10 of these also being followed up over a two-year period. Although small sample size prevents a meaningful comparison between treatments, and only modest weight losses were associated with each, the videofeedback group demonstrated the most notable improvements in body image. Results suggest that the potential benefit of incorporating videofeedback into obesity treatment programmes, in terms of enhancement of body image, warrants more extensive study, as does the possible association with behaviours affecting weight change.

Note: Article C Mccrea, Univ Leicester, Dept Psychol, Clin Sect, Leicester LE1 7RH, Leics, England

Keyword(s): BODY-IMAGE; ANOREXIA-NERVOSA; MIRROR CONFRONTATION; DIMENSIONS; FEMALES; BULIMIA; WEIGHT; SIZE

Zurück | Weiter