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Compassion-focused group therapy improves depression, emotional eating, self-criticism and shame in people living with severe obesity: A single-centre, examiner-blind randomized controlled trial
The intersection of severe obesity, characterized by a BMI ≥ 40 kg m-2, and mental health issues is a critical area of concern. Individuals affected by this condition frequently confront challenges such as eating disorders and depressive disorders, often grappling with feelings of shame and self-criticism. Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) offers a potential remedy by fostering self-compassion, an essential emotional regulation strategy.
The primary objective of this study was to assess the psychological benefits of a structured 10-session, in-person group CFT intervention tailored for those living with severe obesity. Researchers aimed to measure its impact on various psychological metrics, including self-compassion, depressive symptoms, emotional eating, shame, self-criticism, submissive behavior, and negative social comparisons.
A randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single center, enrolling 91 participants, who were divided into two groups: one receiving standard care (n = 46) and the other receiving standard care alongside CFT (n = 45). Standard care involved dietary guidance, a comprehensive assessment by a Consultant Endocrinologist, which may lead to medication prescriptions, and an eight-week lifestyle modification program. Psychological assessments were conducted at three intervals: before treatment, after completion of the intervention, and three months post-CFT.
The findings revealed that participants undergoing CFT experienced remarkable improvements in several psychological outcomes, including self-compassion, self-coldness, mood, shame, emotional eating, self-criticism, social comparison, and submissive behavior, with all results statistically significant (p < 0.001) compared with those receiving only standard care. Crucially, these enhancements were sustained three months following the intervention.
In summary, this research suggests that group CFT is an effective approach to mitigate psychological distress in those afflicted with severe obesity, highlighting its potential as a valuable component of comprehensive obesity treatment plans. [NPID: Obesity, psychological distress, Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), self-criticism, shame, BMI]
Year: 2026
