{"value"=>"<p> <span class=\"title\">Dance Therapy As A Treatment Approach For Obesity</span></p> <p>Obesity is an ever present problem in the United States today. Diets, exercise programs, and self-help groups are approaches aims at “curing” this problem. While each of these approaches does succeed in a short term weight reduction, any one of these methods alone is not effective in maintaining a weight loss. In this paper I look at dance therapy as a treatment method for dealing with obesity.</p> <p>Literature in this area traces the anthropological, sociological, biological, and psychological influences on the obese persons. Researchers feel that an effective program for the treatment of obesity must combine diet and exercise. Dealing with the psychological aspects of overeating is also important for maintaining a weight loss, since the reasons behind this behavior must be treated if weight is not to be regained.</p> <p>Because dance therapy deals with integrating body and mind, one might assume that it would be an effective means for approaching both physical and emotional aspects involved in treating obesity. I designed a pilot study to investigate which dance therapy techniques might be useful, and what changes might occur in the individuals participating in the study. I then formulated guidelines for further programs.</p> <p>Six over weight women, ages 17-55, who were being seen at a medical clinic for weight reduction, participated in the program. These women were lower income individuals of black or Hispanic origins. The six women participated for ten weeks in a program consisting of stretches, exercises, aerobics, and Chace technique dance therapy, plus a short post-session discussion period.</p> <p>Because of the small number of participants, this study is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of dance therapy for the treatment of obesity; however, the individuals participating in the study reported changes, including reducing in size, “feeling better”, and developing a more active life style. Using logs, I reviewed the sessions to discover which dance therapy technique proved valuable. From this list of techniques I then formulated recommendations for the further integration of dance therapy in such a program. I found it important for participants to feel secure: Trust must be developed within the group. The individuals must also be given opportunities to feel, and to develop, a sense of control. I discuss ways in which dance therapy techniques can be used to encourage the participants to feel secure and in control.</p> <p>Dance therapy offers an unique approach to the treatment of obesity. Used in a program along with exercise and diet, dance therapy provides the person with a model for a more active life style.</p>"}