Development and evaluation of nutrexercise

Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of both the intervention and administrative components of a weight control program, 37 obese subjects participated in 10 or 12 week treatment programs based on nutrition, exercise, and behavior modification. According to established compliance criteria, 18 of the 35 women subjects completed treatment and were selected for investigation. Evaluation of the intervention revealed a mean loss of body weight of 9.7 pounds f 6.4 s. d. , a decrease in percentage of body fat of 4.7% f 3.5 s.d., and an increase in knowledge of weight control principles. A paired t-test determined that all changes were significant (p~0.01). Follow-up 5 months posttreatment revealed a decrease of weight by 10.0 pounds f 7.9 s.d. and percent body fat by 4.4% f 4.9 s.d. between pre-treatment and follow-up measurements (p4 0.01). Comparison between post-treatment and follow-up data demonstrated no significant differences. The following administrative components were evaluated: 1.) personnel and setting, 2.) cost effectiveness, 3.) client satisfaction, and 4.) marketing and promotion. Results of this investigation illustrated that a behavioral approach to weight control, utilizing nutrition and exercise interventions is effective in reducing body weight to established goals, decreasing body fat, and improving knowledge of weight control principles. Further this program appears to be a satisfactory modality for administering weight reduction therapy.