A randomized controlled trial of behavioral weight loss treatment versus combined weight loss/depression treatment among women with comorbid obesity and depression

Background: Obesity is associated with clinical depression among women. However, depressed women are often excluded from weight loss trials. Purpose: This study examined treatment outcomes among women with comorbid obesity and depression. Methods: Two hundred three (203) women were randomized to behavioral weight loss (n∈=∈102) or behavioral weight loss combined with cognitive-behavioral depression management (n∈=∈101). Results: Average participant age was 52 years; mean baseline body mass index was 39 kg/m ². Mean Patient Health Questionnaire and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-20) scores indicated moderate to severe baseline depression. Weight loss and SCL-20 changes did not differ between groups at 6 or 12 months in intent-to-treat analyses (p∈=∈0.26 and 0.55 for weight, p∈=∈0.70 and 0.25 for depressive symptoms). Conclusions: Depressed obese women lost weight and demonstrated improved mood in both treatment programs. Future weight loss trials are encouraged to enroll depressed women.