[Outcome of a one-year behavior therapy weight loss program]

Treatment of obesity has become one of the most challenging issues.

The aims of the authors were to present the results of standard behavior therapy weight loss program combined with self-help and the results of one-year follow-up.

The 24-week program involved 41 participants of which 33 subjects participated in the follow-up. Anthropometric data were obtained and the participants were asked to fill questionnaires (the 21 items Three Factor Eating Questionnair Revised 21 items; Physical Exercise: Steps of change [Short Form].

87.8% of participants achieved a minimum weight loss of 5% which is the rate expected in professional therapies for obesity. Significant changes in maladaptive eating pattern and an increase in the rate of regular exercise were observed. Significant association was found between the increase of cognitive restraint and the rate of weight loss during treatment. At one-year follow-up the majority of participants (75.8%) did keep their minimum weight loss of 5% and they showed significant change in eating pattern.

The results suggest that standard behavior therapy extended with self-help elements may be a cost-effective treatment of obesity.