Weight loss: a comparison of group and individual interventions.

A series of 12 behavior modification group programs (with 125 participants) was compared with 28 individual programs to determine differences in short- and long-term weight loss success. Data were collected directly and via questionnaire during the program and 10 to 36 months after the program. Different factors predicted weight loss during and after program participation, but in neither case was type of program (group vs. individual) significant. When data for the two collection periods were pooled, several factors were identified as significantly related to overall weight loss: (a) Individuals who were more overweight lost more weight. (b) The more prior programs tried the less weight loss occurred. (c) Men participating in group sessions and women seen in individual sessions lost the most weight. (d) The more sessions attended, the greater the weight loss. (e) Attending subsequent programs resulted in greater weight loss. (f) The use of behavioral technique--slow rate of eating--resulted in greater weight loss. (g) Increasing age was associated with less weight loss. The seven variables accounted for almost two-thirds (64%) of the variance.