Behavioral weight-loss for multiply-handicapped adults: assessing caretaker involvement and measures of behavior...

Two groups of cerebral palsied, mentally retarded, overweight adults received training in seven behavioral self-control techniques for reducing caloric intake and increasing activity levels over the course of 19 weeks. One group's parents/caretakers had frequent contacts from the diet leader, (Home-Help Group); the other group, balanced with the first for degree of handicap, had no caretaker-directed communications other than initial notification (No Help Group). Measures of adherence were included to assess the process of behavioral change during the diet program. A significant treatment effect accrued for all participants in the diet program, with the Home-Help Group of dieters showing clinically, though not statistically superior weight loss at treatment end and at follow-ups through one year. Specific behaviors taught, such as replacing utensils after each bite and eating slowly, showed significant changes in the expected directions with weight change. Implications of the data for future treatment programs are discussed.