Compared the relative effectiveness of exercise and eating habit change individually and in combination for weight loss and physical conditioning. 44 female volunteers aged 17-46 yrs were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: exercise, eating habits, combination, and delay-of-treatment control. Each group met for 8 1-hr sessions. Ss were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and follow-up using measures of weight, physical fitness, and personal adjustment. After the 1 8-wk period, the control group was treated using the same procedures as employed for the combination group. Results indicate significant improvement for all treatment groups in comparison with the delay-of-treatment control on body weight and most measures of physical fitness and personal adjustment. Groups who exercised showed the most improvement in physical fitness. The combination group demonstrated the most improvement in weight and body circumference. At 8-wk follow-up, only the combination group continued to lose weight. Once treated, the delay-of-treatment control group demonstrated results similar to those of the combination group. Results suggest the necessity of combining exercise and eating habit change in dealing with obesity. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1979 American Psychological Association.
