A large-scale, short-term, media-based weight loss program

This article describes the evaluation of a media-based weight loss and nutrition program.

Fifteen broadcasts were aired on a Chicago television news program over a three-week period in November of 1986. Some participants (n = 37) received the television program and an accompanying manual, and some (n = 37) received, in addition to the television and media interventions, encouragement to attend self-help groups dealing with obesity.

Repeated measures analysis of variance tests were performed, and planned comparisons were conducted only if main effects were significant. At posttesting, those participants attending the self-help groups lost an average of more than nine pounds, whereas those provided only the television program and manual had decreased by less than a pound. Those attending the groups had significantly decreased their percent of dietary fat intake, significantly increased aerobic exercise, and had significantly more hopefulness, motivation, and stimulus control.

The findings suggest that short-term mass media programs by themselves were probably not very effective, but when supplemented by a self-help manual and support groups may be able to produce significant short-term weight loss.