American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol 7, 132-138, Copyright © 1959 by The American Society for Clinical Nutrition, Inc.

A Study of Methods Used in a Reducing Program for Excessively Overweight Women

¹ From the Departments of Household Science and Physical and Health Education, University of Toronto, and Woman's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Forty-eight women were enrolled in a weight-reduction program of six months' duration. Of these, 25 attended regularly. These 25 women ranged in age from 17 to 61 years, and their initial weight varied from 148 to 278 pounds. The subjects were divided into four groups for ease of dietary education and evaluation of medical treatments. Two of these groups were followed for a second series of six months. Eighty-five per cent of the 48 subjects initially enrolled in the program had had a tendency to be overweight since childhood.

Seventy-nine per cent of the total weight loss of all subjects in Series I occurred in the first twelve weeks. Obolip may have been an effective adjunct in the early stage of the program but none of the subjects attained her estimated ideal weight during the study.

A dietary survey carried out prior to the commencement of the program revealed that the subjects had a very limited knowledge of meal planning or sound nutritional principles. Even after an intensive educational program, there seemed to be an inability on the part of many of the subjects to continue such a dietary regimen over a prolonged period. This was a contributing factor in the unsuccessful attempts of the majority to attain their ideal weight.

A weight-reduction program for individuals under normal living conditions was found to be only partially successful. The need for good nutrition education for the prevention of overweight is indicated.