Weight reduction at the work site: a promise partially fulfilled.

Three consecutive studies of weight reduction at the work site were conducted with 172 female union members, who participated in 16-week behavioral group programs. There was no significant difference in weight loss over the three studies, but attrition decreased from 57.5% to 33.8% and weight loss maintenance improved. Groups that met three to four times weekly had less attrition than those which met once a week, but had no more weight loss. These behavioral weight reduction programs were as effective as self-help and commercial groups, and lay leaders produced results equivalent to those produced by professional therapists at one-third the cost.