The BMI Project (Body, Mind, Inflammation)

This program is grounded in data demonstrating the dysregulation across multiple domains and considerable life stressors experienced by this population. The central hypothesis is that by simultaneously ameliorating psychological dysregulation and directly targeting proinflammatory behaviors, ILI operates on multiple proposed mediators of poor treatment outcomes in this population, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes. As such, the overall framework emphasizes integration of self-regulation as it applies to both psychological functioning and weight control. Content will highlight the interconnectedness of mood, stress, eating and exercise behaviors, and risk for inflammation and disease. Each treatment session will present a combination of behavioral and psychological content, representing a truly integrated approach. Participants will meet for 75-minute group sessions weekly for months 1-2, followed by bi-weekly groups in months 3-4, for a total of 12 groups.