A large-scale, short-term, media-based weight loss program.

Background: This article describes the evaluation of a media-based weight loss and nutrition program.

Methods: Fifteen broadcasts were aired on a Chicago television news program over a three-week period in November of 1986. Some participants (n = 37) received the television program and an accompanying manual, and some (n = 37) received, in addition to the television and media interventions, encouragement to attend self-help groups dealing with obesity.

Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance tests were performed, and planned comparisons were conducted only if main effects were significant. At posttesting, those participants attending the self-help groups lost an average of more than nine pounds, whereas those provided only the television program and manual had decreased by less than a pound. Those attending the groups had significantly decreased their percent of dietary fat intake, significantly increased aerobic exercise, and had significantly more hopefulness, motivation, and stimulus control.

Discussion: The findings suggest that short-term mass media programs by themselves were probably not very effective, but when supplemented by a self-help manual and support groups may be able to produce significant short-term weight loss.