Weight loss surgeries like bariatric procedures are increasingly becoming a last-resort solution for people struggling with obesity.
While the surgeries often work well for losing weight, they don’t always address other challenges like emotional eating, depression, or anxiety.
These lingering issues can even undermine the surgery’s long-term success.
The Research: Phone-Based Therapy vs. Standard Care
A new study led by Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam from the University Health Network in Toronto wanted to see if phone-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could help patients one year after their bariatric surgery.
They gathered 306 adults who had undergone the surgery a year ago and had access to a telephone and the internet. The patients were split into two groups.
One group received standard care, which involves regular check-ups and medical advice, while the other had additional phone-based CBT sessions.
Surprisingly, both groups lost about the same amount of weight. However, the group that received phone-based therapy showed significant improvements in emotional well-being.
They had fewer symptoms of binge eating, emotional eating, depression, and anxiety compared to those who only received standard care.
Why It Matters: Beyond Weight Loss to Overall Well-Being
This study supports a growing idea in healthcare that treating obesity isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s equally important to focus on other aspects of health, including mental well-being.
The researchers note that their phone-based therapy was especially good at keeping patients engaged, which is crucial for long-term success.
By treating the emotional and psychological aspects, they believe the risk of gaining weight again might be reduced.
The study even aligns with the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, which encourage healthcare providers to look at quality of life and overall health, not just weight loss numbers.
Two of the study’s authors did disclose ties to the pharmaceutical and health technology sectors, but the potential benefits of phone-based therapy for post-surgery patients seem promising nonetheless.
For those who’ve undergone weight loss surgery, the road to full health may include not just diet and exercise, but also a phone call to a mental health professional.
If you care about weight loss, please read studies about popular weight loss diets linked to heart disease and cancer, and this exercise has unique benefits for weight loss.
For more information about weight loss, please see recent studies that a green diet can reduce belly fat much better, and the newest diabetes drugs may lower body weight and blood sugar.
The study was published in JAMA Network Open.
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