Behavioral modification in a weight-reduction program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Obesity Research

Background:

• Obesity is prevalent in women of low socioeconomic status.
• Behavioral modification therapy for obesity requires testing in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and test a group-oriented behavioral modification method for weight reduction in low-income women.
• To compare the effectiveness of this method against individualized dietitian counseling.

Main Methods:

• 80 participants received group-oriented behavioral modification.
• 80 matched controls received individualized dietitian counseling.
• Follow-up weights were assessed in 31 matched pairs (62 individuals) over one year later.

Main Results:

• 13% of the behavioral modification group maintained a 20+ lb. weight loss vs. 6.4% in the control group.
• Mean weight loss was 4.6% of ideal body weight for the behavioral modification group vs. 0.9% for controls.
• The behavioral modification program showed statistically superior results (p=0.058).

Conclusions:

• The group-oriented behavioral modification program yielded results comparable to similar programs for middle-class participants.
• While mean weight loss was modest, the approach showed promise for low-income women.
• Further research is needed to determine the clinical significance of the observed weight loss.