Treating Adolescent Obesity

Although nine adolescents lost weight who had not received a diet, only two maintained this weight loss and none achieved a nonobese status, and group treatment did not ap pear to produce better long-term results than individual treatment.

Abstract

In a follow-up study of 65 obese adolescents, 19 had achieved a non obese status while 46 remained obese. Twelve adolescents maintained the weight loss initiated during clinic attendance. Obese adolescents given dietary instruction and placed on a diet were more successful at losing and maintaining their lower weight than those treated with a nondietary approach. Although nine adolescents lost weight who had not received a diet, only two maintained this weight loss and none achieved a nonobese status. Group treatment did not ap pear to produce better long-term results than individual treatment.