Publications [#335692] of Christina Hopkins

Journal Articles

1. Faulconbridge, LF; Driscoll, CFB; Hopkins, CM; Bailer Benforado, B; Bishop-Gilyard, C; Carvajal, R; Berkowitz, RI; DeRubeis, R; Wadden, TA (2018). Combined Treatment for Obesity and Depression: A Pilot Study.. Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.), 26(7), 1144-1152. [doi]
   (last updated on 2022/09/07)

   Abstract:
   

   Objective

   Obesity and depression frequently co-occur, and each increases risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study tested whether a combined treatment, targeting obesity and depression simultaneously, would yield greater improvements in weight, mood, and CVD risk factors than treatments that targeted each disease individually.

   Methods

   Seventy-six participants with obesity and major depression were randomly assigned to (1) behavioral weight control (BWC), (2) cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (CBT-D), or (3) BWC combined with CBT-D. Participants were provided 18 group treatment sessions over 20 weeks. Mood, weight, and CVD risk were assessed at baseline and weeks 8 and 20, with a follow-up visit at week 46.

   Results

   At week 20, participants in combined treatment lost significantly (P < 0.02) more weight (5.2% ± 1.2%) than those assigned to CBT-D (0.8% ± 1.3%) and comparable amounts as those in BWC (3.5% ± 1.3%). Depression scores decreased significantly from baseline levels in each group, with no significant differences between groups. All three groups showed significant improvements in 10-year CVD risk, with no significant differences between groups. Groups did not differ significantly on any of these measures at week 46.

   Conclusions

   BWC yielded short-term improvements in weight, mood, and CVD risk, comparable to a combined treatment that incorporated CBT-D. Results require replication with a larger sample size.