The behavioral control of obesity: a descriptive analysis of a large-scale program.

Evaluated a behavoiral treatment program for 147 obese patients in a Weight Control Clinic. Weight losses during treatment averaged 11.01 pounds with large inter-S variability. Unlike past studies, patients continued to lose weight during a 6-month follow-up period. Weight loss was associated with age and initial degree of obesity, but other demographic and psychological variables failed to predict success in treatment. A critical examination of the attrition problem was carried out to determine the relationship between patient variables and the propensity to terminate treatment prematurely. Results demonstrate the utility of bahvioral treatment procedures for obesity, yet further research is needed to reduce attrition and to facilitate long-term maintenance of weight loss.