Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Adolescent Obesity

Recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Jon McGavock, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Manitoba

Must not be taking: Obesity medications, Steroids, Antipsychotics

Disqualifiers: Orthopedic injury, Chronic illness, Alcoholism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 16 weeks

6 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are being treated with medication for obesity, taking steroids, or being treated with atypical antipsychotics.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for adolescent obesity?

Research shows that Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help reduce emotional eating and improve weight management in obese individuals. Studies have found that DBT leads to significant reductions in emotional eating and helps maintain weight loss over time, suggesting it could be effective for managing obesity in adolescents as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) safe for treating obesity-related issues?

Research on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for obesity-related issues shows it is generally safe, with low drop-out rates and no significant adverse effects reported in studies. Participants in these studies experienced improvements in emotional eating and weight maintenance, suggesting DBT is a well-tolerated treatment option. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

How does the treatment Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for adolescent obesity differ from other treatments?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is unique for adolescent obesity as it specifically targets emotional eating, which is a common issue in obesity, by teaching skills to manage emotions and reduce eating psychopathology. Unlike traditional weight loss programs that focus mainly on diet and exercise, DBT addresses the emotional and psychological aspects of eating, making it a novel approach for those who struggle with emotional eating. ^{1 4 7 8 9}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This research is being conducted to evaluate emotion-focused therapy that incorporates elements of mindfulness, distress tolerance, and relationship support. The investigators want to learn if this therapy, called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) will help improve quality of life and weight management in youth at risk for type 2 diabetes. Individuals will be randomly assigned to weekly group based session in one of 3 intervention arms; lifestyle + DBT, lifestyle alone, or a control arm.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents aged 14-17 with obesity, willing to follow study procedures and showing mild-moderate depression. They must not be on certain medications like atypical antipsychotics or steroids, have multiple health issues, a history of self-harm in the last year, currently in psychotherapy/DBT, or have had recent weight loss treatments.

Inclusion Criteria

Your body mass index (BMI) is significantly higher than average for your age and gender.

Willing and able to comply with study procedures

I have mild to moderate depression.

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently on medication for mental health using atypical antipsychotics.

I have a physical condition that stops me from doing certain activities.

I am unable or unwilling to agree to participate in this study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

6 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive weekly group-based sessions in one of three intervention arms: lifestyle + DBT, lifestyle alone, or control for 16 weeks

16 weeks

Weekly sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for retention and follow-up measurements at 16 and 32 weeks

16 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Lifestyle

Trial Overview The study tests if Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which includes mindfulness and stress coping strategies, can improve life quality and help manage weight in youth at risk for type 2 diabetes. Participants will join one of three groups: lifestyle changes plus DBT sessions, just lifestyle changes, or a control group.

Participant Groups

Group I: Lifestyle alone Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive 2 lifestyle sessions per week, one 90 minutes in length and the other 60 minutes for 16 weeks.

Group II: DBT + lifestyle Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants will receive 90 minutes of dialectical behavioral therapy and 60 minutes of lifestyle sessions each week for 16 weeks.

Group III: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will be included in baseline, endpoint and follow up measurements, but will receive no form of intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Manitoba

Lead Sponsor

Trials

628

Recruited

209,000+

Diabetes Canada

Collaborator

Trials

13

Recruited

1,200+

Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba (CHRIM)

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

50+

References

1. Spain pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Group dialectical behavior therapy adapted for obese emotional eaters; a pilot study. [2022]

2. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact on mindfulness, emotion regulation, and emotional overeating of a DBT skills training group: a pilot study. [2020]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Emotional and Mindless Eating After Bariatric Surgery: a Prospective Exploratory Cohort Study. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Childhood obesity: from nutrition to behaviour. [2013]

5. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of a dialectical behavior therapy-based skills group intervention for obese individuals: a Brazilian pilot study. [2020]

6. Brazil pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Problematic and adaptive eating in people with obesity after a DBT-based skills training intervention: 3- and 8-month follow-up and mediation analysis. [2020]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial preventive interventions for obesity and eating disorders in youths. [2015]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Motivational interviewing and cognitive behaviour therapy in the treatment of adolescent overweight and obesity: study design and methodology. [2018]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Evidence update on the treatment of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. [2022]