Treatment of Clinical Depression in Overweight & Obese Adults: A Tailored Cognitive Behavioural Approach.

INTERVENTION: Individual Cognitive Behaviour Therapy administered by post‐graduate students completing their Master of Clinical Psychology supervised by a Clinical Psychologist 1x1.5‐2hrs per week for 10 weeks targeting issues common in depression and overweight/obesity (e.g. self‐efficacy, withdrawal, body image, eating behaviours) with concurrent semi‐structured physical exercise program of 45 minutes 3x per week for 10 weeks administered by trained 4th Year Exercise Science students. Adherence to treatment is monitored via audio/visual recordings for fidelity check to ensure treatment program is followed. Participant adherence will be monitored by therapist/trainer (record of attendance). CONDITION: Clinical Depression Inflammation Overweight/Obesity PRIMARY OUTCOME: % Change in Depression level as measured on the BDI‐II ; % Change in Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scores as measured on the DASS‐21 SECONDARY OUTCOME: % Change in body fat measured by DEXA % Change in Eating behaviours as measured on the Intuitive Eating Scale‐23 and Binge Eating Scale % Change in inflammation as measured by finger prick blood sample (i.e. CRP, IL‐6, TNF‐a, IL‐1, Interferon‐y and IL‐4) % Change in Self compassion and body image as measured by the Self Compassion Scale and Physical Self Description Questionnaire % Change in Self efficacy as measured by the New General Self Efficacy Scale and Exercise Self Efficacy Scale INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. DSM Diagnosis of depression 2. Overweight or Obese (BMI: 25‐35) 3. Willing and able to participate in exercise intervention 4. Older than 18 years of age, younger than 45 years of age. 5. Stable use of antidepressents (at least 3 weeks on regular dose) 6. No current engagement in therapy and willingness to postpone new therapy for the duration of participation 7. If female, must not be pregnant or attempting to become pregnant. 8. Understand written and spoken English (a conversational level of english is all that is required)