Three consecutive studies of weight reduction at the work site were
conducted with 172 female union members, who participated in 16-week
behavioral group programs. There was no significant difference in weight
loss over the three studies, but attrition decreased from 57.5% to 33.8%
and weight loss maintenance improved. Groups that met three to four times
weekly had less attrition than those which met once a week, but had no more
weight loss. These behavioral weight reduction programs were as effective
as self-help and commercial groups, and lay leaders produced results
equivalent to those produced by professional therapists at one-third the
cost.Abstract Teaser