Obesity: Behavior Therapy with Computer-Feedback Versus Traditional Starvation Treatment

Abstract

Fourteen control and 14 behavior therapy subjects completed a 16 weeks weight reduction program in a private Stockholm obesity clinic. Controls lost and average of 6 kg, while behavioral subjects lost an average of 14 kg, a statistically significant difference. The behavioral approach was superior when judged on a long-range basis. At 6 months post treatment, behavioral subjects had maintained their lost weight, but controls had regained part of their weight. The unique feature of this behavior therapy program was initiation of a new computer-feedback system used to plan weekly personalized diets, analyze weekly food intakes and evaluate the on-going success of the patients' control over eating behavior. The behavioral therapy techniques were both well received and useful as guidelines for similar types of projects.