Behavioral treatment of obesity. Limitations and results with the chronically obese.

Results of behavioral treatment for obese persons during the first 18 months of clinical operation are presented and other reports in the literature are reviewed. Baseline and follow-up data were gathered from a population of 144 female, chronically obese patients, most of whom were experiencing medical complications associated with obesity. Treatment results were disappointing in comparison with results of similar programs. Difference in patient population groups is offered as a possible explanation for this phenomenon. Covariant analyses of demographic and psychosocial variables failed to yield any clear predictors of weight loss; it is suggested that biological factors may be important to treatment outcome for some overweight patients.