A WORK-SITE WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO REINFORCE BEHAVIOR

This pilot weight management project addresses the efficacy of reinfor cing dietary behavior change versus weight loss. This 6-month program served professional and support staff participating in the work-site w ellness program at a midwestern university. Behavior-contingent progra m data were compared with data from the previous model where contracts were made for weight loss. In the behavior-contingent program, dropou t rate and satisfaction with the program compared favorably with the o ld model weight loss-contingent program. Contract adherence was 93% co mpared with 74% in the weight loss-contingent program. Actual pounds o f weight lost were lower in the behavior-contingent program, however, long-term weight management must still be studied with this population .