A series of studies show that weight loss can be a relatively easy task, but long-term weight maintenance is a rather complex endeavor. None of the known therapeutic methods so far have managed to successfully address the common phenomenon of gradual weight regain. These difficulties have created the need for a cognitive-behavioral approach to understanding and treating obesity, an approach that would not only change behaviors related to food intake, but also the way one should think, not only to be able to lose weight, but also -most importantly- to maintain their new, lower weight. This theoretical approach, which first appeared in the literature in 2001 with Zafra Cooper and Christopher Fairburn as pioneers, and the practical application of this cognitive-behavioral model are described in this manual.

The book describes a comprehensive weight loss and maintenance program, proposes tested practices for addressing problems such as bulimia, and contains all the information and tools that a clinical psychologist will need to implement the cognitive-behavioral method in the treatment of obesity (guidelines, examples, forms and documents for patients, etc.).