title: Evaluation of an intensive weight control program using a priori criteria to determine outcome.
abstract: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive obesity treatment program which incorporated open-ended treatment duration, pre-treatment assessments, protein-sparing modified fasts (PSMFs), and the use of six a priori outcome categories to analyse outcomes. Subjects were the first 291 obese individuals (mean weight = 235 lb, 66% overweight) to participate in the program's intake procedures. Data obtained after 55 weeks of treatment (on average) showed that the program seemed quite effective for 65% of those who participated for at least 12 weeks (mean = 62 and 30 lb lost in the two successful groups). Analyses supported the continued use of pre-treatment assessments, extended treatment times, and a priori categorizations of outcomes. In addition, correlational analyses showed that binge eating, high levels of psychological distress, and low income levels were associated with poorer outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Beliard
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Kirschenbaum
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Fitzgibbon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001883:Borderline Personality Disorder / Q000150:complications; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012923:Social Class; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome