2 groups of 9 overweight women received 12 sessions of self-control training in the presence of fattening foods. In one group self-control was followed by eating a low-calorie food. Results were compared with 2 control groups. Weights for 12 wk. pretreatment and 12 and 24 wk. posttreatment were collected. Only the group receiving self-control training and a substitute low-calorie food lost significant average weight (—8.89 lb.) during treatment. Subject differences between groups preclude firm identification of the reason for this. By 24 wk. posttreatment an average 7.33 lb. had been regained. Comparable studies indicating success with group behavior therapy have either no or inadequate follow-up, or other shortcomings. There is no reliable evidence to date that group behavior therapy will result in permanent weight loss.
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