Impact of a stress management program on weight loss, mental health and lifestyle in adults with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the impact of a stress management program on weight loss, depression, anxiety and stress as well as on the adoption of healthy lifestyle in adults with obesity.Adults with obesity who sought help for weight loss at a medical obesity clinic were consecutively enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. All participants received standard instructions for a healthy lifestyle. The intervention group attended an 8-week stress management program that comprised diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided visualization and instructions about healthy nutrition/dietary habits. Anthropometric parameters were assessed and several questionnaires were completed by all participants, at the beginning and at the end of the study.A total of 45 adults (mean age±SD 45.7±10.55 years) with obesity were enrolled in the study; 22 in the intervention group and 23 in the control group. Participants in the two groups were matched for age and BMI. Participants in the intervention group achieved a significantly larger reduction in BMI compared to the control group (ΔBMI -3.1 vs. -1.74 kg/m2 respectively, P<0.001). In addition, they displayed ameliorated depression and anxiety scores and a reduction in the health locus of control based on chance.