Objective: This study identified psychiatrists' perceptions and practices regarding advising and treating obese patients. Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to a national random sample of 500 members of APA. A three-wave mailing was used to maximize the return rate. The questionnaire contained items on weight control based on the Stages of Change…

This study examines elementary school nurses' perceived efficacy expectations, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits to measuring body mass index (BMI) in students in schools with mandated BMI policies versus schools without mandated policies. Of the 2,629 school nurses participating in the study, 67% believe nurses should measure BMI in…

This study examined how students' perceptions of silhouette drawings of various weights would change when descriptors of Likert-like endpoints describing heavy and thin weights were changed. Subjects were 211 college students who completed one of five forms of a questionnaire differing only in endpoint descriptors. Results are discussed. (MT)

A review of the literature on the use of the self-efficacy model for weight control raised several areas of concern, including differences between losing weight and maintaining weight loss, ethical questions, and misguided interpretations of the model's effectiveness. The need for comprehensive, well-planned research is stressed. (CB)

The most popular fad diets, weight control devices, salons, and diet clubs are examined and the claims of each are evaluated in relation to their long-term success in producing weight loss and control. (JMF)

Responses of 250 school nurses to a questionnaire regarding childhood obesity revealed that most believed that normal weight was important to children's health and that they should be role models by maintaining normal weight. Most also found child and parent weight loss counseling difficult and that schools should do more to alleviate childhood…