Evidence for Success of Behavior Modification in Weight Loss and Control
- John P. Foreyt, PhD; and
- G. Ken Goodrick, PhD
- From Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. Requests for Reprints: John P. Foreyt, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine, Nutrition Research Center, 6535 Fannin, MS-F700, Houston, TX 77030. Grant Support: By grant DK43109 from the National Institutes of Health.
Abstract
Behavior modification applied to the treatment of obesity has evolved from the environmental control of eating behavior to a broader approach characterized by systematic manipulation of all factors associated with eating and exercise patterns. This approach has shown success in helping obese persons lose modest amounts of weight. The average length of treatment is 18 weeks, and the average weight loss is 9.9 kg. About 66% of these weight losses are maintained at 52 weeks of follow-up. Because obesity is a chronic condition with a substantial potential for relapse, longer-term treatments are needed. In the future, behavioral modification is likely to be further combined with other treatment methods.
- Copyright 2004 by the American College of Physicians
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