A comprehensive weight-loss program for soldiers.

A weight-loss treatment program for active duty military personnel is discussed and evaluated. The Fat Loss and Exercise Program at U.S. Army Hospital, Bremerhaven, Germany, consisted of a 3-week inpatient treatment program and 6 months of weekly outpatient follow-up. The program combined a multidisciplinary team approach to the treatment of obesity--psychology, internal medicine, nursing, nutrition care, and physical therapy. Patients showed a significant weight and body fat loss [F(2,90) = 52.91 and 65.85, p < 0.001, respectively] from the initiation of treatment (mean = 205.9 pounds, 28.91%) to the end of the inpatient program (mean = 192.8 pounds, 25.97%) with maintenance over 6 months (mean = 190.4 pounds, 25.03%). Changes in cholesterol levels by treatment phase are also discussed. Results demonstrate positive increases in high-density lipoprotein at each phase. These results support a comprehensive, multidisciplinary inpatient treatment of obesity within the military.