A Group-based Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Primary Care
A Group-based Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Primary Care
Overweight and obesity is a growing problem in the world. Today more than 50 % of all people
 over 18 years in Sweden are overweight or obese. Main reasons for this are changes in
 lifestyle habits regarding diet and physical exercise. Overweight and obesity increases risk
 of different diseases such as type 2 diabetes, arthrosis and cancer; it also affects quality
 of life. Losing 5-10 % of your body weight improves metabolic health and quality of life.
 Lifestyle changes are very important in order to lose weight but it can be challenging to
 carry through with these changes on your own without support. In the primary care in Region
 Orebro län a group treatment, "Step by step", has been in use since 2010. It comprises of six
 group sessions over 6-8 months with different themes such as diet, physical exercise and
 stress. Between the group sessions there are home assignments, such as writing a diet or
 exercise diary. This observational study will evaluate "Step by step" and the effect the
 group treatment has on the participants' weight, dietary habits, physical activity, quality
 of life, eating habits and metabolic health.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  18 years and older

 -  BMI 30 or over

 -  BMI over 28 and under 30 with one or more of following: hypertension, prediabetes,
 type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidaemia, liver steatosis, sleep
 apnoea or polycystic ovary syndrome.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Severe mental illness

 -  Previous or present eating disorder

 -  Pregnancy

 -  Breast feeding

 -  Serious cancer under treatment

 -  Use of weight-loss drugs

 -  Misuse of alcohol or drugs

 -  Type 1 diabetes

 -  Not being able to speak/read/write Swedish.