Three year's follow-up of members of a Swedish commercial weight-reducing club.

The weight changes of 676 members of a commercial weight loosing club were analysed and a questionnaire was given to a subgroup of 150 participants. The median age at entry was 48 years. The Broca index (kg/cm - 100) ranged from 0.85 to 1.70. Only 15 males participated. The initiative to join the club came from the member herself in 59% of the cases; only 3% were referred by a physician. The drop-out frequency during an 8-week "Slim Club" course was 55%. Members who participated in more than 4 of the 8 weekly sessions had a mean weight loss of 6.2 kg (range 0.5 - 15). Members with higher initial weights lost more than those who were less overweight. The mean cost of each kg lost was about 40 Sw. cr./kg (approximately 9 US$). After 3 years, 367 members could be contacted for an interview. Their initial mean weight (+/- S. D.) was 76.1 +/- 9.8 kg. After the initial course the mean weight was 70.5 +/- 9.4 kg (p less than 0.001). Three years later the reported mean weight was 72.3 +/- 10.1 kg (p less than 0.001 versus initial weight). Thus even a short course may have significant long-term effects on weight loss. The weight-reducing club may therefore be a helpful tool in the treatment of overweight subjects.