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. 2009 Dec;32(6):503-9.
doi: 10.1007/s10865-009-9221-8.

Successful weight loss with self-help: a stepped-care approach

Robert A Carels  1 , Carissa B Wott, Kathleen M Young, Amanda Gumble, Lynn A Darby, Marissa Wagner Oehlhof, Jessica Harper, Afton Koball
Affiliations

Successful weight loss with self-help: a stepped-care approach

Robert A Carels et al. J Behav Med. 2009 Dec.

Abstract

In a stepped-care approach to treatment, patients are transitioned to more intensive treatments when less intensive treatments fail to meet treatment goals. Self-help programs are recommended as an initial, low intensity treatment phase in stepped-care models. This investigation examined the effectiveness of a self-help, stepped-care weight loss program. Fifty-eight overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥27 kg/m(2)) participated in a weight loss program. Participants were predominately Caucasian (93.1%) and female (89.7%) with a mean BMI of 36.6 (SD=7.1). Of those completing the program, 57% of participants (N=21) who remained in self-help maintained an 8% weight loss at follow-up. Participants who were stepped-up self-monitored fewer days and reported higher daily caloric intake than self-help participants. Once stepped-up, weight loss outcomes were equivalent between individuals who remained in self-help compared to those who were stepped-up. Individuals who were stepped-up benefited from early intensive intervention when unsuccessful at losing weight with self-help.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Participant treatment flow diagram
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Percent weight change during Phase I, Phase II, and follow-up in self-help and stepped-care participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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