Skip to main content

OPINION article

Front. Psychol., 03 September 2012
Sec. Psychology for Clinical Settings

Addressing Motivation in Globesity Treatment: A New Challenge for Clinical Psychology

  • 1 Psychology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Verbania, Italy
  • 2 Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
  • 3 Department of Psychology, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy

The global epidemic of obesity and being overweight (Globesity) is rapidly becoming a major public health problem in many parts of the world, since it is often associated with many related chronic diseases (Wadden et al., 2002) including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney failure, osteoarthritis as well as psychological problems such as depression, feelings of shame, low self-esteem, and stigma (Byrne et al., 2004; Riva et al., 2006a; Manzoni et al., 2008; Villa et al., 2009; Capodaglio et al., 2010). Obesity and being overweight are also frequently connected with Binge Eating Disorder (BED), a psychopathological disorder characterized by frequent and persistent episodes of binge eating characterized by loss of control over eating within a discrete period of time, and significant distress.

In the United States, where obesity has become an epidemic over the past 20 years, 79% of the population is worryingly overweight. This means that only about 21 of 100 Americans are at or below normal weight (Flegal et al., 2010). Unfortunately, the problem of expanding waistlines does not just belong to the USA anymore. Mexico, for example, with 24.2% of the adult population classified as obese, is second to the USA in this trend, and Europe is currently competing with the North American countries for first place in the obesity crisis. In fact the United Kingdom reports 23% of their population to be clinically obese and predicts an increase in future years (Rennie and Jebb, 2005). There are also significant health care costs associated with treating obesity and its related diseases. Additionally, many people are unemployed as a direct result of over weightness, either on health grounds or due to other circumstances, leading to discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion (McCormick and Stone, 2007).

The causes of obesity involve a complex interplay of a number of factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, certain medical disorders, and a range of well-documented genetic and environmental elements. Because the etiology of obesity is largely multifactorial, effective interventions to significantly reduce weight, maintain weight loss, and reduce related pathologies are typically combined treatment options (dietetic, nutritional, physical, behavioral, psychological, pharmacological, surgical). Important difficulties in these kinds of approaches, however, have been underlined with regard to availability, costs, treatment adherence, and long-term efficacy (Castelnuovo et al., 2003a, 2004a, 2010, 2011b,c,d; Gaggioli et al., 2003, 2005; Riva et al., 2003, 2004, 2006b; Manzoni et al., 2008, 2011; Castelnuovo, 2010a,b; Castelnuovo and Simpson, 2011). In fact, most overweight and obese individuals regain about one third of the weight lost with treatment within 1 year and they will typically return to baseline in 3–5 years (Castelnuovo et al., 2011d).

In addition, despite the dramatic increase in the prevalence of being overweight or obese, this does not reflect an equally proportionate expansion of the continuing education and training provided for health care professionals, across disciplines. Too often, health care professionals demonstrate a poor understanding and lack of recognition of the social and environmental determinants of obesity, simply suggesting that individuals should follow a diet and assuming that healthcare interventions will only be required when obesity-related medical complications are apparent. Obesity treatment should be individually tailored, and realistic goals should be clearly set at the outset. Psychological factors, in particular, influence both weight loss and, more importantly, long-term weight loss maintenance. Indeed, many recent studies (Svensson and Lagerros, 2010; Pettersen et al., 2011; Roberts and Bailey, 2011; Teufel et al., 2011; Walpole et al., 2011; West et al., 2011; Yilmaz et al., 2011; Stotland et al., 2012; Waller, 2012) have shown the crucial role of motivation in the realm of lifestyle modification, which has in turn inspired the development of a range of motivational enhancement techniques. In fact, although existing weight maintenance programs emphasize both behavioral and cognitive skill refinement, it is unlikely that weight gain is due solely, or even primarily, to a specific deficit. Individuals often report that they know what to do to control their weight, but are unable to motivate themselves to continue to implement these behaviors (West et al., 2011).

However, motivation for changing problem behaviors is not synonymous with motivation for participating in treatment. Those most susceptible to treatment adherence difficulties tend to be those who enter rehabilitation with little or no awareness that they have a problem that needs to be changed, those who have come as a result of being urged by others and those who have little faith in the effectiveness of interventions. They may show ambivalence about whether the problematic behavior really needs to be changed, since the perceived costs of eating may not yet outweigh the benefits (McEvoy and Nathan, 2007). Patients also differ in terms of their expectations and levels of self-efficacy for managing treatment demands.

Assessment of patients’ motivation seems, therefore, an essential prerequisite for successful weight loss therapy; for this reason many motivational approaches have been included as adjuncts into other therapeutic protocols (Waller et al., 2011).

The transtheoretical model of change (TTM;DiClemente and Prochaska, 1982; DiClemente et al., 1991; Astroth et al., 2002), for example, describes five motivational stages which clients need to advance through in order to reach a point where they can take action to change their dysfunctional behavior. This model is an integrative and comprehensive model of intentional behavior change that incorporates process-oriented variables to explain and predict how and when individuals change their own health behaviors (Sarkin et al., 2001).

The transtheoretical model has also been linked to the development of Motivational Interviewing MI; (Miller and Johnson, 2001) and its derivative Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET; Feld et al., 2001). MI is defined as a “client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence” (Wilson and Schlam, 2004). It is fundamentally different from other motivational approaches because motivation for change is elicited from individuals through focusing on their own ambivalence and resolving this in a way which is congruent with their own values, rather than imposed by health care providers (Miller and Rollnick, 2002). In contrast, MET aims to assist the patient with moving through the stages of motivation, by clarifying his or her own perceptions and beliefs, to reach the ultimate goal of sustained change (Feld et al., 2001). Self-Determination Theory (SDT) distinguishes between a motivation (lacking any intention to engage in a behavior), intrinsic motivation (where the behavior is engaged in for the enjoyment and satisfaction inherent in taking part), and extrinsic motivation (where the behavior is engaged in order to achieve outcomes that are separable from the behavior itself; Williams et al., 2004; Silva et al., 2008; Sussman et al., 2008; Jacobs et al., 2011; Verloigne et al., 2011). In fact, although intrinsic motivation is linked to greater productivity, creativity, spontaneity, cognitive flexibility, and perseverance (Deci and Ryan, 1985) human behavior is not usually intrinsically motivated (Silva et al., 2008). Deci and Ryan (1985) propose that the “quality” of motivational drive is determined not only by individual differences but also by the powerful influence of the social environment. Thus, self-motivation and treatment adherence is thereby strengthened and maintained through eliciting and acknowledging patients’ perspectives, supporting their initiatives, offering options, and providing information, whilst minimizing external pressure, and control (Williams et al., 2006; Jacobs et al., 2011). Other studies, however, highlight that there is almost no evidence that motivational interventions lead to real effects, despite being widely used either as separate therapies or integrated into other psychological treatments (Stotland et al., 2012; Waller, 2012).

Due to the negative cognitive processes (thoughts, beliefs, and images) that can psychologically “lock” people into unhealthy eating and (low) activity patterns, we have traditionally turned to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for obesity and other weight issues (Wilson et al., 2010; Teufel et al., 2011; Van Dorsten and Lindley, 2011; Waller et al., 2011), even when there is strong evidence in favor of other approaches (Beutel et al., 2001; Castelnuovo et al., 2004b, 2005b, 2011c,d; Becker et al., 2007; Castelnuovo, 2010a; Kiesewetter et al., 2010; Vocks et al., 2010; Wilson et al., 2010; Teufel et al., 2011; Van Dorsten and Lindley, 2011; Waller et al., 2011; Tanofsky-Kraff, 2012, p. 130). The main goal of CBT is to change how people think and react to their problems and is widely recommended both in inpatient and outpatient settings (Melchionda et al., 2003), also in technological ones (Castelnuovo et al., 2001, 2003a,b, 2005a, 2010, 2011a,b; Castelnuovo, 2008, 2010b; Molinari et al., 2012).

More recently, Information and Telecommunication Technologies (ICT) have been utilized to address difficulties associated with of the high rate of weight regain and treatment relapse in the treatment of obesity in outpatient settings (Castelnuovo et al., 2003a; Pagliari et al., 2005).

Telecare can be used to support patients’ sense of autonomy and self-efficacy during the inpatient treatment phase as well as helping them to face daily resistances and barriers during the outpatient phase, with a range of tools such as web-sites, e-mail, chat lines (e.g., IRC, internet relay chat), videoconference, telephone, and UMTS-based mobile-phone (Castelnuovo et al., 2003a). As already indicated in several studies (Goulis et al., 2004; Rice, 2005), treatments delivered by ICT, may reduce expensive and time-consuming clinical visits and improve adherence to prescribed treatments through extensive monitoring and support (Riva et al., 2001; Castelnuovo et al., 2011d).

In the outpatient treatment phase, energy expenditure, physical activity duration, and levels as well as sleep/wake state intervals can be detected using a multisensory armband, and then transmitted online to a specific web-platform. Apart from storing data this also delivers many functions, such as questionnaires, an animated food record diary, an agenda, and a videoconference virtual room (Castelnuovo et al., 2010). During tele-sessions, clinicians (psychologists and dietitians) test outpatients’ progress, their mood, the maintenance of “good alimentary and physical activity habits,” loss/increase of weight and ask about critical moments that could lead to changes in behavior (eating and exercise; Ogden and Hills, 2008).

Since, it is the interpretation of events rather than the events per se that result in behaviors that lead to weight gain or loss (Ogden et al., 2009), these interpretations often need to be explicitly addressed in treatment. By utilizing videoconferencing facilities, clinical psychologists are able to deliver psychological treatments at a distance, by cognitively reconstructing dysfunctional appraisals, consolidating strategies, and abilities acquired during the inpatient phase, building self-esteem, and self-efficacy, supporting motivation to prevent relapse and providing problem-solving and crisis counseling. Telemedicine represents, therefore, a new care approach which enables us to target healthcare where it is really needed, whilst upholding the clinician-patient relationship as an important vehicle of change. Through ITC, it may therefore be possible to enhance the likelihood of success of the long-term treatment of obesity. Tele health care also allows the clinician to understand patient readiness to change, to enhance their awareness of barriers to change, to reinforce patient achievements, and to help them to prepare for relapse prevention. We propose that treatments need to move beyond the traditional cognitive approach to enhance motivation to change in the obese population. We suggest that by providing real-time technology-based interventions that enable us to monitor patients over the course of time, and by treating motivation as a behavioral rather than as an exclusively verbal-cognitive phenomenon, we will generate greater opportunities to enhance positive therapeutic change in the obese population.

References

Astroth, D. B., Cross-Poline, G. N., Stach, D. J., Tilliss, T. S., and Annan, S. D. (2002). The transtheoretical model: an approach to behavioral change. J. Dent. Hyg. 76, 286–295.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Becker, S., Rapps, N., and Zipfel, S. (2007). [Psychotherapy in obesity – a systematic review]. Psychother. Psychosom. Med. Psychol. 57, 420–427.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Beutel, M., Thiede, R., Wiltink, J., and Sobez, I. (2001). Effectiveness of behavioral and psychodynamic in-patient treatment of severe obesity – first results from a randomized study. Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. 25(Suppl. 1), S96–S98.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Byrne, S. M., Cooper, Z., and Fairburn, C. G. (2004). Psychological predictors of weight regain in obesity (Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t). Behav. Res. Ther. 42, 1341–1356.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Capodaglio, P., Castelnuovo, G., Brunani, A., Vismara, L., Villa, V., and Capodaglio, E. M. (2010). Functional limitations and occupational issues in obesity: a review. Int. J. Occup. Saf. Ergon. 16, 507–523.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Castelnuovo, G. (2008). New technological settings of communication to improve the traditional techniques in clinical psychology and psychotherapy. Open Comm. J. 2, 86–92.

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G. (2010a). Empirically supported treatments in psychotherapy: towards an evidence-based or evidence193 biased psychology in clinical settings? Front. Psychol. 1:27. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2010.00027

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G. (2010b). No medicine without psychology: the key role of psychological contribution in clinical settings. Front. Psychol. 1:4. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2010.00004

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., Buselli, C., De Ferrari, R., Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., Molinari, E., Villamira, M., and Riva, G. (2004a). New tools in cybertherapy: the VEPSY web site. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 99, 15–35.

Castelnuovo, G., Faccio, E., Molinari, E., Nardone, G., and Salvini, A. (2004b). A critical review of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) and common factors perspective in psychotherapy. Brief strategic and systemic therapy. Eur. Rev. 1, 208–224.

Castelnuovo, G., Cesa, G., Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., Manzoni, G., Molinari, E., and Riva, G. (2005a). Building a bridge between psychotherapy and new internet-based technologies: the VEPSY updated project approach. Tech. Health Care 13, 367–367.

Castelnuovo, G., Faccio, E., Molinari, E., Nardone, G., and Salvini, A. (2005b). Evidence based approach in psychotherapy the limitations of current empirically supported treatments paradigms and of similar theoretical approaches as regards establishing efficient and effective treatments in psychotherapy. Brief strategic and systemic therapy. Eur. Rev. 2, 229–248.

Castelnuovo, G., Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., and Riva, G. (2003a). From psychotherapy to e-therapy: the integration of traditional techniques and new communication tools in clinical settings. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Review]. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 6, 375–382.

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., and Riva, G. (2003b). New and old tools in psychotherapy: the use of technology for the integration of the traditional clinical treatments. Psychother. Theor. Res. Pract. Train. 40, 33.

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., Gaggioli, A., and Riva, G. (2001). “CyberPsychology meets clinical psychology: the emergence of e-therapy in mental health care,” in Towards Cyberpsychology: Mind, Cognition and Society in the Internet Age, eds G. Riva and C. Galimberti (Amsterdam: IOS Press), 229–252.

Castelnuovo, G., Lo Priore, C., Liccione, D., and Cioffi, G. (2003). Virtual Reality based tools for the rehabilitation of cognitive and executive functions: the V-STORE. Psychnol. J. 1, 310–325.

Castelnuovo, G., Manzoni, G., Cuzziol, P., Cesa, G., Tuzzi, C., Villa, V., Liuzzi, A., Petroni, M. L., and Molinari, E. (2010). TECNOB: study design of a randomized controlled trial of a multidisciplinary telecare intervention for obese patients with type-2 diabetes. BMC Public Health 10, 204. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-10-204

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., Manzoni, G. M., Corti, S., Cuzziol, P., Villa, V., and Molinari, E. (2011a). “Clinical psychology and medicine for the treatment of obesity in out-patient settings: the TECNOB project,” in Telemedicine Techniques and Applications, eds G. Graschew and S. Rakowsky (InTech), 257–268.

Castelnuovo, G., Manzoni, G. M., Cuzziol, P., Cesa, G. L., Corti, S., Tuzzi, C., Villa, V., Liuzzi, A., Petroni, M. L., and Molinari, E. (2011b). TECNOB Study: ad interim results of a randomized controlled trial of a multidisciplinary telecare intervention for obese patients with type-2 diabetes. Clin. Pract. Epidemiol. Ment. Health 7, 44–50.

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., Manzoni, G. M., Villa, V., Cesa, G. L., and Molinari, E. (2011c). Brief strategic therapy vs cognitive behavioral therapy for the inpatient and telephone-based outpatient treatment of binge eating disorder: the STRATOB randomized controlled clinical trial. Clin. Pract. Epidemiol. Ment. Health 7, 29–37.

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., Manzoni, G. M., Villa, V., Cesa, G. L., Pietrabissa, G., and Molinari, E. (2011d). The STRATOB study: design of a randomized controlled clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy and brief strategic therapy with telecare in patients with obesity and binge-eating disorder referred to residential nutritional rehabilitation. Trials 12, 114.

CrossRef Full Text

Castelnuovo, G., and Simpson, S. (2011). Ebesity – e-health for obesity – new technologies for the treatment of obesity in clinical psychology and medicine. Clin. Pract. Epidemiol. Ment. Health. 7, 5–8.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Deci, E., and Ryan, R. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. New York: Plenum.

DiClemente, C. C., and Prochaska, J. O. (1982). Self-change and therapy change of smoking behavior: a comparison ofprocesses of change in cessation and maintenance. [Comparative Study Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, P.H.S.]. Addict. Behav. 7, 133–142.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

DiClemente, C. C., Prochaska, J. O., Fairhurst, S. K., Velicer, W. F., Velasquez, M. M., and Rossi, J. S. (1991). The process of smoking cessation: an analysis of precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages of change. [Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, P.H.S.]. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 59, 295–304.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Feld, R., Woodside, D. B., Kaplan, A. S., Olmsted, M. P., and Carter, J. C. (2001). Pretreatment motivational enhancement therapy for eating disorders: a pilot study. Int. J. Eat. Disord. 29, 393–400.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Flegal, K. M., Carroll, M. D., Ogden, C. L., and Curtin, L. R. (2010). Prevalence and trends in obesity among US adults, 1999–2008. JAMA 303, 235–241.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Gaggioli, A., di Carlo, S., Mantovani, F., Castelnuovo, G., and Riva, G. (2005). A telemedicine survey among Milan doctors. J. Telemed. Telecare 11, 29–34.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., Castelnuovo, G., Wiederhold, B., and Riva, G. (2003). Avatars in clinical psychology: a framework for the clinical use of virtual humans. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 6, 117–125.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Goulis, D. G., Giaglis, G. D., Boren, S. A., Lekka, I., Bontis, E., Balas, E. A., Maglaveras, N., and Avramides, A. (2004). Effectiveness of home 268 centered care through telemedicine applications for overweight and obese patients: a randomized controlled trial. [Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial]. Int. J. Obes. Relat. Metab. Disord. 28, 1391–1398.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Jacobs, N., Hagger, M. S., Streukens, S., De Bourdeaudhuij, I., and Claes, N. (2011). Testing an integrated model of the theory of planned behaviour and self-determination theory for different energy balance-related behaviours and intervention intensities. [Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t]. Br. J. Health Psychol. 16(Pt 1), 113–134.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Kiesewetter, S., Kopsel, A., Kopp, W., Kallenbach-Dermutz, B., Pfeiffer, A. F., Spranger, J., and Deter, H. C. (2010). Psychodynamicmechanism and weight reduction in obesity group therapy – first observations with different attachment styles. Psychosoc. Med. 7, Doc04.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Manzoni, G. M., Castelnuovo, G., and Molinari, E. (2008). Weight loss with a low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, or low 278 fat diet. N. Engl. J. Med. 359, 2170. [Author reply 2171–2172].

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Manzoni, G. M., Pagnini, F., Corti, S., Molinari, E., and Castelnuovo, G. (2011). Internet-based behavioral interventions forobesity: an updated systematic review. Clin. Pract. Epidemiol. Ment. Health 7, 19–28.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

McCormick, B., and Stone, I. (2007). Economic costs of obesity and the case for government intervention. [Review]. Obes. Rev. 8(Suppl. 1), 161–164.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

McEvoy, P. M., and Nathan, P. (2007). Perceived costs and benefits of behavioral change: reconsidering the value of ambivalence for psychotherapy outcomes. [Comparative Study]. J. Clin. Psychol. 63, 1217–1229.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Melchionda, N., Besteghi, L., Di Domizio, S., Pasqui, F., Nuccitelli, C., Migliorini, S., Baraldi, L., Natale, S., Manini, R., Bellini, M., Belsito, C., Forlani, G., and Marchesini, G. (2003). Cognitive behavioural therapy for obesity: one-year follow-up in a clinical setting. [Comparative Study Evaluation Studies]. Eat. Weight Disord. 8, 188–193.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Miller, W., and Rollnick, S. (2002). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People for Change. New York: Guildford Press.

Miller, C. E., and Johnson, J. L. (2001). Motivational interviewing. Can. Nurse 97, 32–33.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Molinari, E., Pagnini, F., Castelnuovo, G., Lozza, E., and Bosio, A. C. (2012). A new approach for psychological consultation: the psychologist at the chemist’s. BMC Public Health 12, 501. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-501

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Ogden, J., and Hills, L. (2008). Understanding sustained behavior change: the role of life crises and the process of reinvention. Health (Lond.) 12, 419–437.

CrossRef Full Text

Ogden, J., Stavrinaki, M., and Stubbs, J. (2009). Understanding the role of life events in weight loss and weight gain. Psychol. Health Med. 14, 239–249.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Pagliari, C., Sloan, D., Gregor, P., Sullivan, F., Detmer, D., Kahan, J. P., Oortwijn, W., and MacGillivray, S. (2005). What is eHealth (4): a scoping exercise to map the field. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Review]. J. Med. Internet Res. 7, e9.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Pettersen, G., Rosenvinge, J. H., and Wynn, R. (2011). Eating disorders and psychoeducation – patients’ experiences of healing processes. Scand. J. Caring. Sci. 25, 12–18.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Rennie, K. L., and Jebb, S. A. (2005). Prevalence of obesity in Great Britain. [Review]. Obes. Rev. 6, 11–12.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Rice, C. A. (2005). Prevention: the most economical way to manage diabetes. Nurs. Econ. 23, 327–329.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Riva, G., Alcaniz, M., Anolli, L., Bacchetta, M., Banos, R., Beltrame, F., Botella, C., Galimberti, C., Gamberini, L., Gaggioli, A., Molinari, E., Mantovani, G., Nugues, P., Optale, G., Orsi, G., Perpina, C., and Troiañi, R. (2001). The VEPSY updated project: virtual reality in clinical psychology. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t]. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 4, 449–455.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Riva, G., Alcaniz, M., Anolli, L., Bacchetta, M., Banos, R., Buselli, C., Beltrame, F., Botella, C., Castelnuovo, G., Cesa, G., Conti, S., Galimberti, C., Gamberini, L., Gaggioli, A., Klinger, E., Legeron, P., Mantovani, F., Mantovani, G., Molinari, E., Optale, G., Ricciardiello, L., Perpiñá, C., Roy, S., Spagnolli, A., Troiani, R., and Weddle, C. (2003). The VEPSY UPDATED Project: clinical rationale and technical approach. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 6, 433–439.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Riva, G., Bacchetta, M., Cesa, G., Conti, S., Castelnuovo, G., Mantovani, F., and Molinari, E. (2006a). Is severe obesity a form of addiction? Rationale, clinical approach, and controlled clinical trial. Cyberpsychol. Behav. 9, 457–479.

CrossRef Full Text

Riva, G., Castelnuovo, G., and Mantovani, F. (2006b). Transformation of flow in rehabilitation: the role of advanced communication technologies. Behav. Res. Methods 38, 237–244.

CrossRef Full Text

Riva, G., Botella, C., Castelnuovo, G., Gaggioli, A., Mantovani, F., and Molinari, E. (2004). Cybertherapy in practice: the VEPSY updated project. Stud. Health Technol. Inform. 99, 3–14.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Roberts, S. H., and Bailey, J. E. (2011). Incentives and barriers to lifestyle interventions for people with severe mentalillness: a narrative synthesis of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods studies. [Review]. J. Adv. Nurs. 67, 690–708.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Sarkin, J. A., Johnson, S. S., Prochaska, J. O., and Prochaska, J. M. (2001). Applying the transtheoretical model to regular moderate exercise in an overweight population: validation of a stages of change measure. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t Validation Studies]. Prev. Med. 33, 462–469.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Silva, M. N., Markland, D., Minderico, C. S., Vieira, P. N., Castro, M. M., Coutinho, S. R., Santos, T. C., Matos, M. G., Sardinha, L. B., and Teixeira, P. J. (2008). A randomized controlled trial to evaluate self-determination theory for exercise adherence and weight control: rationale and intervention description. [Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t]. BMC Public Health 8, 234. doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-234

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Stotland, S., Larocque, M., and Sadikaj, G. (2012). Positive and negative dimensions of weight control motivation. Eat. Behav. 13, 20–26.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Sussman, A. L., Williams, R. L., Leverence, R., Gloyd, P. W. Jr., and Crabtree, B. F. (2008). Self determination theoryand preventive care delivery: a research involving outpatient settings network (RIOS Net) study. [Comparative Study Multicenter Study Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, P.H.S.]. J. Am. Board Fam. Med. 21, 282–292.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Svensson, M., and Lagerros, Y. T. (2010). Motivational technologies to promote weight loss – from internet to gadgets. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t]. Patient Educ. Couns. 79, 356–360.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Tanofsky-Kraff, M. (2012). Psychosocial preventive interventions for obesity and eating disorders in youths. Int. Rev. Psychiatry 24, 262–270.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Teufel, M., Becker, S., Rieber, N., Stephan, K., and Zipfel, S. (2011). [Psychotherapy and obesity: strategies, challenges and possibilities]. Nervenarzt 82, 1133–1139.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Van Dorsten, B., and Lindley, E. M. (2011). Cognitive and behavioral approaches in the treatment of obesity. [Review]. Med. Clin. North Am. 95, 971–988.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Verloigne, M., De Bourdeaudhuij, I., Tanghe, A., D’Hondt, E., Theuwis, L., Vansteenkiste, M., and Deforche, B. (2011). Self 337 determined motivation towards physical activity in adolescents treated for obesity: an observational study. Int. J. Behav. Nutr. Phys. Act 8, 97.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Villa, V., Manzoni, G. M., Pagnini, F., Castelnuovo, G., Cesa, G. L., and Molinari, E. (2009). Do coping strategies discriminate eating disordered individuals better than eating disorder features? An explorative study on female inpatients with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. J. Clin. Psychol. Med. Settings 16, 297–303.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Vocks, S., Tuschen-Caffier, B., Pietrowsky, R., Rustenbach, S. J., Kersting, A., and Herpertz, S. (2010). Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychological and pharmacological treatments for binge eating disorder. [Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t]. Int. J. Eat. Disord. 43, 205–217.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Wadden, T. A., Brownell, K. D., and Foster, G. D. (2002). Obesity: responding to the global epidemic. [Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, P.H.S. Review]. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 70, 510–525.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Waller, G. (2012). The myths of motivation: time for a fresh look at some received wisdom in the eating disorders? Int. J. Eat. Disord. 45, 1–16.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Waller, G., Stringer, H., and Meyer, C. (2011). What cognitive behavioral techniques do therapists report using when delivering cognitive behavioral therapy for the eating disorders? J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 80, 171–175.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Walpole, B., Dettmer, E., Morrongiello, B., McCrindle, B., and Hamilton, J. (2011). Motivational interviewing as an intervention to increase adolescent self-efficacy and promote weight loss: methodology and design. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t]. BMC Public Health 11, 459. doi: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-459

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

West, D. S., Gorin, A. A., Subak, L. L., Foster, G., Bragg, C., Hecht, J., Schembri, M., Wing, R. R., and Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet Exercise (PRIDE) Research Group. (2011). A motivation-focused weight loss maintenance program is an effective alternative to a skill-based approach. [Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural]. Int. J. Obes. (Lond.) 35, 259–269.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Williams, G. C., McGregor, H. A., Sharp, D., Levesque, C., Kouides, R. W., Ryan, R. M., and Deci, E. L. (2006). Testing a self 358 determination theory intervention for motivating tobacco cessation: supporting autonomy and competence in a clinical trial. [Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural]. Health Psychol. 25, 91–101.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Williams, G. C., McGregor, H. A., Zeldman, A., Freedman, Z. R., and Deci, E. L. (2004). Testing a self-determination theory process model for promoting glycemic control through diabetes self-management. [Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, P.H.S.]. Health Psychol. 23, 58–66.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Wilson, G. T., and Schlam, T. R. (2004). The transtheoretical model and motivational interviewing in the treatment of eating and weight disorders. [Review]. Clin. Psychol. Rev. 24, 361–378.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Wilson, G. T., Wilfley, D. E., Agras, W. S., and Bryson, S. W. (2010). Psychological treatments of binge eating disorder. [Comparative Study Randomized Controlled Trial Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural]. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry 67, 94–101.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text | CrossRef Full Text

Yilmaz, J., Povey, L., and Dalgliesh, J. (2011). Adopting a psychological approach to obesity. Nurs. Stand. 25, 42–46.

Pubmed Abstract | Pubmed Full Text

Citation: Pietrabissa G, Manzoni GM, Corti S, Vegliante N, Molinari E and Castelnuovo G (2012) Addressing motivation in globesity treatment: a new challenge for clinical psychology. Front. Psychology 3:317. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00317

Received: 06 July 2012; Accepted: 11 August 2012;
Published online: 03 September 2012.

Edited by:

Susan G. Simpson, University of South Australia, Australia

Reviewed by:

Susan G. Simpson, University of South Australia, Australia

Copyright: © 2012 Pietrabissa, Manzoni, Corti, Vegliante, Molinari and Castelnuovo. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in other forums, provided the original authors and source are credited and subject to any copyright notices concerning any third-party graphics etc.

*Correspondence: gianluca.castelnuovo@auxologico.it

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.