Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Obesity: Pilot.

Testing the Added Benefit of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in the Treatment of Obesity: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

Obesity is an 'epidemic' within the UK. Individuals living with obseity are at risk of developing cancer, heart problems and dieing. Furthermore, obesity impacts on psychological wellbeing via lowered self-efficacy, self-esteem, body image and overall quality of life (QoL). A pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) is proposed to investigate the additional benefit of a psychological intervention alongside treatment as usual (TAU) in a weight management service. Patients routinely attending an outpatient clinic will be randomised into TAU with or without additional acceptance and commitment Therapy (ACT) group based-input and their outcomes monitored over time.

Overweight and obesity is reported as an 'epidemic' problem within the UK as well as the world. Individuals living with this may be at higher risk of developing co-morbidities, such as cancers, heart problems or diabetes, and higher mortality rates are reported in this group. Furthermore, overweight and obesity can also impact on a person's psychological wellbeing, such as their self-efficacy, self-esteem and body image as well as have a negative effect on their overall quality of life (QoL). Therefore, a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) is proposed to investigate the additional benefit of a psychological intervention alongside treatment as usual (TAU) in a weight management service. Patients routinely attending an outpatient clinic will be randomised into TAU with or without additional Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) group based-input.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals will be willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study;
• Male or Female, aged 18 years or above.
• Individuals will have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40 (or over 35 if they are from a black or other minority ethic (BME) group or have a co-existing physical health problem);
• Individuals will be on a waiting list for a weight loss management programme in the UK;
• Individuals will have English as a written language.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding;
• Individuals with current drug or alcohol abuse, such that would prevent them from engaging in a weight management programme;
• Individuals who are acutely mentally unwell, such that would prevent them from engaging in a weight management programme;
• Individuals who at time of referral are at significant risk to themselves of others, such that would prevent them from engaging in a weight management programme;
• Individuals who are acutely physically unwell and/or hospitalised, such that would prevent them from engaging in a weight management programme;
• Individuals who have a learning disability or cognitive impairment, such that would prevent them from engaging in a weight management programme.
• Currently in receipt of psychiatric services.