EVALUATION OF THE NAVY OBESITY TREATMENT PROGRAM

This study evaluated the overall effectiveness of the Navy's three-tie red obesity treatment program and compared effectiveness across the th ree treatment levels. Height, weight, and body circumference measureme nts were obtained from 369 program participants at baseline and follow -up (6 weeks, 6 months, 12 months), Results demonstrated a significant and sustained reduction in percent body fat in all three program tier s, but the absolute losses at the end of 12 months were small: -3.7% f at for men, -4.5% fat for women. The level III tier, which employs a m ultidimensional approach to treatment, was the most effective program, even after differences in enrollees' initial percent body fat were ta ken into account. Changes in the approach to treatment and development of a supportive, long-term, behaviorally based aftercare program are recommended.