[Cognitive-behavioral therapy in obesity and activities of the STOB (Stop to Obesity) society].

STOB Society (STop to OBesity) was founded in the Czech Republic in 1991. It joins together psychologists, medical doctors, instructors of appropriate physical exercises and other professionals whose aim is to help obese people in the struggle with their excess weight. Activities of STOB Society are based on the method of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy, it proceeds from the assumption that inappropriate habits are learnt and so with a help of various techniques they can be also unlearnt. The aim is to induce desirable changes in behaviour, that is in eating and physical activity habits, and at the same time to get rid of the emotions and thoughts that lead to an inappropriate behaviour. The basis of cognitive-behavioural therapy is described. STOB Society popularizes appropriate and healthy way of weight reduction through articles in newspapers and journals, through programmes in radio and television and through brochure, audio and wide tapes, calendar etc. STOB Society organizes national campaigns in which it prompts thousands of obese people in the Czech Republic to appropriate eating and physical activity habits. It organizes "Weight reduction courses" in 70 towns in the Czech Republic.