Description of the Strategy

Lifestyle behavior modification for obesity is based upon changing eating habits and physical activity to yield negative energy balance, that is, burning more energy than is consumed via eating. During the initial phase of intervention, weight loss occurs at a rate of approximately 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) per week and gradually tapers to a weight plateau. After this initial weight loss, the goal of treatment is weight maintenance, where the person learns to balance energy intake and energy expenditure.

There is a genetic component to the development of obesity. The interaction of genetics and environment may predispose selected persons to gain weight. Behavioral weight control is based upon basic laws of learning. Classical conditioning refers ...