Follow‐up studies of group behavior therapy for obese Japanese patients

Follow‐up results of 141 patients with simple obesity were compared with those of 147 obese subjects who did not take part in the group behavior therapy comprising comprehensive guidance for daily diet and physical exercise. The initial body weight of the therapy and the control groups was 83.6 ± 1.2 kg (body mass index: 29.7 ± 0.3 kg/m 2 ) and 80.4 ± 0.8 kg (29.0 ± 0.2 kg/m 2 ), respectively. After 6 months, a 4.7 ± 0.5 kg weight loss of the therapy group was significantly greater than only a 1.2 ± 0.4 kg weight loss of the control group. Paper questionnaires concerning the longterm results showed that pup behavior therapy is effective for at least 3–4 years in the case of obese Japanese patients. Therefore, group therapy sessions should be recommended at 3‐ to 4‐year intervals.