Effects of Behavior Modification and Aerobic Exercise on the Degree of Obesity, Eating Behavior, Depression and Self Esteem in Obese Adolescent Girls

Chaung, Seung Kyo

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effects of behavior modification and aerobic exercise on the degree of obesity, eating behavior, depression and self esteem among adolescent girls who were overweight and obese. Forty seven subjects were selected from one girl's middle school located in Seoul. Seventeen girls received the behavior modification program by joining 60-90 minute group session weekly. Behavior modification, in this study, consisted of self-monitoring, changing patterns of life style and attitudes, teaching nutrition and physical activities, and asking personal help. The aerobic exercise program was given to 16 girls 3 times per week with 60 minutes each time. Fourteen girls received both behavior modification and aerobic exercise. These interventions continued for 8 weeks. Changes after intervention were examined twice after 4 weeks and 8 weeks for degree of obesity and once after 8 weeks only for eating behavior, depression and self esteem. The results were as follows : 1. Degree of obesity was significantly decreased after 4 weeks and 8 weeks in 3 groups. Degree of obesity after 4 weeks and 8 weeks were not significantly different among 3 groups. 2. The mean score of eating behavior related to obesity decreased significantly after intervention in the behavior modification group only. There was significant difference in eating behavior among 3 groups after intervention. 3. The behavior modification group showed no significant changes in depression and self esteem after intervention. In the aerobic exercise group and group who participated in both behavior modification and aerobic exercise, the level of depression decreased significantly. There were no significant differences in the level of depression and self esteem among 3 groups after intervention. These findings indicate that behavior modification might be effective in decreasing degree of obesity and eating behavior related to obesity, aerobic exercise be effective in decreasing degree of obesity and the level of depression, and also in increasing the level of self esteem.