A low-cost community approach to weight control: initial results from an evaluated trial

This article describes a trial of a low-cost, readily disseminatable weight-control program ("Waistline") which uses behavioral, social support, and community strength-building principles. Participants meet for 12 weeks in small, lay-led groups in community settings, and use prepackaged materials designed specifically for those of modest education. Results from 407 participants are presented, showing a mean postcourse weight loss of 5.6 kg (12.3 lb) and a low attrition rate (9-12%). In a subsample followed up at 12 months (N = 96), 80% of this loss had been maintained. A comparison group ("Slimline," N = 26) lost 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) and had an attrition rate of 31-46%. The Waistline results are comparable to those obtained by more intensive and expensive behavioral programs, and demographic data show that those of relatively low educational attainment are well represented. The potential of this approach for cheap, noncommercial dissemination of weight-control programs on a population basis is noted.