Abstract
Two types of behavioral weight control treatment (Group I received group and individual therapy, and Group II, group therapy only) were compared to non-specific nutrition and exercise education (Control group) over a period of six months. In addition to common behavioral strategies, as self-monitoring, goal-setting, self-control,:and stimulus control, each members in Group I individually received a short contact with the therapist each session. After 13 treatment sessions within a six-months period, the weights were monitored over the following two years. The results were as follows; 1. Both behavior therapy groups were superior to Control group as to weight loss (6.0kg, 6.6kg vs 3.6kg) and attrition rate (13.3%,18.5% vs 54.4%). 2. Two behavior groups, I and Ij were equally effective during six-months of the therapy, but after 2 years, the maintenance of weight loss was better in Group I. 3. In behavior groups, the initial weight loss (after 4 weeks), the compliance to treatment (attendance rate, performance rate of self-records) and the post-treatment weight loss were correlated to the net weight loss after treatment. 4. In addition to the initial weight loss and the compliance to treatment, the initial body weight, M-Fat with BMI, and the weights each subject had wanted to lose, were each correlated to post treatment weight loss. 5. Eating and exercise habits were improved, physical and psychological complaints were reduced, data on physical examination were improved, and energy and salt inputs were reduced significantly.
