Group approach to weight control: behavior modification, nutrition, and health education

We have had a positive experience using a modified approach to behavior modification of eating patterns, exercise, and activity, along with nutrition and health education. During the first year, forty-four adult patients completed the program, which was conducted in the out-patient clinic of a large hospital by a dietitian and a nurse practitioner. A cross-section of the patient population was admitted. The program had a pre-determined number of sessions, each of which was partially structured. When compared with the patients in individual therapy in our Nutrition Clinic, a more consistent weight loss in a shorter time was observed in the group participants. Whether the techniques described here will lead to sustained weight loss over time bears further study.