Significant sex differences indicated that boys generally ate more than girls and held more internal locus of control expectancies. However, obese and normal-weighted children were not differentiated by their performance on either food-related measures nor by their locus of control expectancies. (Author/MP)

A behavioral weight reduction treatment and maintenance program for moderately mentally retarded adolescents which involves six phases from background information collection to followup relies on stimulus control procedures to modify eating behaviors. Data from pilot studies show an average weekly weight loss of .5 to 1 pound per S. (CL)

Eating rates (bites per interval) and other meal behaviors (number of chews, sips, talks with a neighbor, and chews per bite) were observed for 30 normal and 30 overweight white preschool children in their school cafeterias. The children ranged in age from 1 1/2 to 6 years. (JMB)

Compared the energy cost of treadmill walking in pairs of obese and lean adolescent boys matched for total body mass. Results found no intergroup differences in the net energy cost at the two lower speeds, but obese boys expended more energy at a higher speed. Heart rate was considerably higher in obese boys. Body mass, rather than adiposity, was…

Examined situational antecedents of dieting relapse crises and dieters'attempts to cope with temptations to overeat among obese type II diabetics (N=57). Found three categories of relapse crises: mealtime, low-arousal, and emotional upset situations. Found upset situations most frequently produced negative outcome while strong cognitive and…

Treated obesity by very low calorie diet, behavior therapy, and combination. Mean weight loss for three conditions was 14.09, 14.26, and 19.25 kilograms, respectively. Three years later, and correcting for additional therapy in interim, mean weight losses for 45 of original 50 subjects declined to 2.20, 3.54, and 5.11 kilograms, respectively.…

Evaluated effectiveness of posttreatment programs on weight loss maintenance. Assigned mildly and moderately obese adults (N=123) to either behavior therapy only or to behavior therapy combined with therapist-contact posttreatment maintenance programs which varied by use of social influence and/or aerobic exercise. Found all four posttreatment…

Examines the effectiveness of group interpersonal therapy (IPT) in treating overweight, binge-eating patients. Participants were randomly allocated to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or to an assessment-only group. After 12 weeks, those who did not respond to CBT were assigned 12 weeks of IPT. IPT led to no further improvement. (JPS)

Examines obesity, arguing for establishment of "reasonable weight," which may differ from health and aesthetic ideals. Integrates information of etiology, social beliefs about body weight, theory, and treatment into comprehensive intervention model. Sees advances in treatment most likely when research is driven by theory on etiology of weight…

Describes traditional approaches to working with obese students (weight loss programs, nutrition programs, self-esteem groups). Suggests system-based alternative. Suggests providing in-service workshops for staff; developing team to work with large students; providing individual counseling; assisting students in locating peer support groups; and…

With heightened attention on childhood obesity prevention efforts, there seems to be some confusion between the terms "physical education" and "physical activity." Often the words are used interchangeably but they differ in important ways. Understanding the difference between the two is critical to understanding why both contribute to the…

College women are at particular risk for developing eating disorders and related eating and body image concerns. The purpose of this article is to explore how both drive for thinness and fear of fat may be addressed in counseling with college women. Characteristics of drive for thinness and fear of fat as they relate to the development of eating…

Objective: Weight gain is a serious side effect of atypical antipsychotics, especially in childhood. In this study, the authors examined six weight gain-related hormones in patients with childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) after 6 weeks of clozapine treatment. Method: Fasting serum samples for 24 patients with COS and 21 matched healthy controls…

Children's fitness levels are decreasing at an alarming rate. The Centers for Disease Control has determined that approximately 33% of children do not regularly engage in vigorous physical activity (CDC, 2002). As a result, childhood obesity has increased 100% since 1980 in the United States due to physical inactivity (CDC, 2004). A well-planned…

Every day the media bombards the nation with concern over childhood obesity. More American children than ever before are developing health problems related to their eating habits and lack of exercise. The classroom is the perfect place to deal with this national crisis by speaking directly to the children. If children could become more aware of…