Manualised Cognitive Remediation Therapy for adult obesity: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that obese individuals have cognitive deficiencies in executive function, leading to poor planning and impulse control, and decision-making difficulties. An intervention that could help reduce these deficits and in turn help weight loss maintenance is Cognitive Remediation Therapy for Obesity (CRT-O). We aim to examine the efficacy of manualised CRT-O, which is intended to improve executive function, enhance reflective practice and help weight loss maintenance. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial (registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry) will be conducted. First, 90 obese adults (body mass index >30 kg/m(2)) in the community will receive three weekly sessions of a group Behaviour Weight Loss Treatment (BWLT), and then will be randomised either to receive CRT-O or to enter a no-treatment control group. CRT-O training will comprise twice-weekly sessions of 45 minutes over a 4 to 6 week period, for a total of eight sessions. Measurement points will be at baseline, post CRT-O (or 4 to 6 weeks after BWLT for the no-treatment control), 3 months post treatment and 1 year post treatment. The primary outcome will be executive function and secondary outcome measures will include participants’ body mass index, hip to waist ratio, eating behaviours and quality of life. DISCUSSION: This is the first study of its kind to examine the efficacy of Cognitive Remediation Therapy for obese adults through a randomised controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number: 12613000537752. Date of registration: 14 May 2013.