Drew program for obesity treatment.
Obesity affects about 30 percent of adult Americans, causing significant morbidity. Contributing problems of poor self-concept and oral gratification may require intense therapy. This study was designed to see whether a multidisciplinary approach combining diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy, and run by a clinic staff would be effective.Patients were Afro-American women at least 20 percent above ideal body weight. Attrition reduced sample size, making statistical analysis difficult; however, some general trends were observed. One half of those who completed the program lost one pound per week and maintained the loss during a two-month follow-up. Those who succeeded showed a higher level of dissatisfaction and greater ability to respond to external motivation in psychological tests. Weight loss was comparable to that achieved in behavioral groups described in the literature.