Thirty-five studies were originally selected to be analyzed as to behavior modification techniques used in successful weight-loss programs. From these, 14 studies were chosen that provided sufficient data, including follow-up data, and 4 studies that had no follow-up data but that did report data from the treatment time period. As a result of rank ordering the studies from high to low, based on the total average amount of weight loss attained during the entire study (treatment plus follow-up), two groups were formed; the more successful and the least successful weight-loss programs. The findings showed that self-monitoring, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring were used by the least and most successful programs, but only behavioral contracting, positive reinforcement, and chaining were utilized in the more successful weight-loss programs. Other noteworthy findings included the difference in average follow-up weeks between the least successful (53 weeks) and most successful programs (27 weeks), difference in average weight loss during treatment for the least successful (15.9 lbs.) programs compared to the more successful programs (13.3 lbs.), and the difference and comparison of average weight loss, at the end of the follow-up between the least successful programs (14.9) and the more successful programs (10.9 lbs.). A three-page list of references and tables of data conclude the document. (Author)