Research progress on cognitive behavioral therapy in addressing weight regain

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.11.014

Abstract

Abstract:

Overweight and obesity are among the major public health concerns worldwide. Although conventional comprehensive interventions often enable short-term weight loss, weight regain remains prevalent. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a psychological intervention focused on modifying cognitions and behaviors, has been shown to help individuals with overweight or obesity achieve weight loss more effectively and healthily. It is regarded as one of the core evidence-based treatment modalities for weight management. From a neurobiological perspective, CBT enhances brain function, modulates the reward system, and alters neuroplasticity in individuals with excess weight, thereby significantly extending weight maintenance duration after intervention. Furthermore, CBT assists this population in identifying and modifying health-impairing thought patterns, fostering the adoption of healthy eating and physical activity habits, and effectively curbing weight regain. As CBT strategies are increasingly integrated into weight loss research, their application continues to evolve—shifting from traditional face-to-face sessions to digitally enabled interventions based on information and communication technologies. This transition not only improves intervention accessibility and engagement but also offers more personalized and convenient support for weight management. Future research should prioritize the local adaptation and technological innovation of CBT to enhance its scalability, positioning it as a vital tool in obesity prevention and control and thereby contributing substantially to improve public health outcomes.

Key words: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), weight regain, weight loss, weight maintenance

CLC Number:

R749.055

XU Wenyi, ZHANG Zhiruo. Research progress on cognitive behavioral therapy in addressing weight regain[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2025, 45(11): 1545-1551.

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References 78

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