Behavioral Therapy for Obesity

Behavioral therapy strategies have been used in the treatment of obesity for many decades and are anchored in the guidelines for the therapy of obesity. Over time, the strategies have changed and diversified. The essential components of therapy are presented. In psychoeducation, the patient should be provided with the necessary knowledge so that realistic therapy goals can be agreed upon. Through self-observation and behavioral analyses, the problem behavior is recorded more precisely. This can be changed with stimulus control strategies, stress management, and/or with the help of social support. Cognitive therapy elements help in restructuring problematic schemas and solving problems. A distinction is made between strategies for weight loss and weight stabilization. The advantages of group therapy settings are highlighted.