The Role of Values, Acceptance, and Mindfulness Strategies in Long Term Weight Management

Obesity is a prevalent, destructive, and costly chronic disease. In 2008, 37% of Canadian adults were measured as overweight, and 25% as obese. Obesity is a risk factor for a number of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, asthma, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, several types of cancers (i.e., colorectal, kidney, breast, endometrial, ovarian and pancreatic cancers) and cardiovascular disease (i.e., hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease). In 2008, it was estimated that the annual economic burden of obesity in Canada was $4.6 billion. Given the economic strain and widespread health risks of obesity, there is a clear need to provide effective interventions for obesity.

The purpose of the proposed study is to examine the role of ACT-based interventions in long-term weight maintenance. The proposed study will examine the role of value consistent behaviour, acceptance skills, and mindfulness skills in promoting long-term weight-related health behaviours. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an empirically supported psychological intervention that emphasizes value consistent behaviours, acceptance skills and mindfulness skills.