Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients Who Lost Weight in a Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Program

• Published in: Psychology of addictive behaviors 1987, Vol.1 (1), p.14-21
• Main Authors: Jordan, Henry A, Canavan, Arlene J, Steer, Robert A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive Therapy; Followup Studies; Human; Obesity; Weight Control
• ISSN: 0893-164X; 1939-1501
• DOI: 10.1037/h0080433

One hundred-eleven respondents who achieved at least a 15 lb (6.80 kg) weight loss in a 20-week cognitive-behavioral treatment program for obesity were asked six to 10 years after treatment to describe their current approaches to weight control during times of maintenance, loss, and gain. When the responses of 36 persons who had maintained their postprogram weight losses were compared to 75 persons who gained weight, the persons who had maintained reduced weights had (1) planned their snacks in advance, (2) eaten snacks unaccompanied by other activities, (3) done other things when they had a desire to eat which was triggered by free time, (4) prepared snacks that were long on eating time and short on calories, (5) known what they were going to order before entering a restaurant, cafeteria or bar, (6) banked calories for special occasions and holidays, (7) moved to a lighter-line for a day or two after a especially large, spontaneous meal or snack, (8) put extra steps and energy into their daily activities, (9) scheduled exercise times at home, and (10) taken long walks, went bicycling or played sports by themselves or with their friends and family members more often than persons who had gained weight.