Behavioral modification in a weight-reduction program.

Previous surveys have shown a high prevalence of obesity in women of low socioeconomic status. This study confirmed the relationship in the Medical Appointment Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta. Behavioral modification therapy for obesity had not been carefully tested in this type of population. Therefore, a behavioral modification group-oriented weight-reduction method was adapted for 80 participants from this setting. Eighty controls, matched for age, sex, race, and percent ideal body weight, received individualized counseling from a dietitian. Thirty-one matched pairs (62 individuals) had follow-up weights taken more than one year later. Thirteen percent (four) of the behavioral modification group participants versus 6.4% (two) of the control participants maintained a loss of 20 lb. or more during this period. The mean weight loss for the behavioral modification group was 4.6% of their ideal body weight versus 0.9% for the control group. The results of the behavioral modification program were statistically superior to those of the control program (p = 0.058). Overall, for participants whose mean weight was 241 lb., it is difficult to conclude that a mean 5-lb. weight loss represents a meaningful change or that this weight loss was due to behavioral modification. The results of this program among low socioeconomic status women, however, were comparable with the results of similar large, free-living programs among middle class participants.