Researchers found that combining behavioral weight loss treatment, problem-solving therapy, and as-needed antidepressant medication leads to a significant decrease in weight and depressive symptoms in people with obesity and depression, although the effect is modest.
The findings from the NHLBI-funded study, published in the journal JAMA, have the potential to improve the health and well-being of patients, and help them to adhere to treatment.
“Although obesity and depression are increasingly becoming co-morbid, evidence-based integrated treatments targeting both conditions still are needed,” said Catherine M. Stoney, Ph.D., deputy director of the Clinical Applications and Prevention Branch, part of the Division of Cardiovascular Sciences at NHLBI.
“It is important to remember that depression and obesity are complex disorders that require significant behavior change strategies among patients, and training among providers.”
Stoney also said that further study of the underlying behavioral and neural mechanisms of the interventions and patient response will be key and could provide important information on how to optimize and personalize the treatments in the future.