OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of a 12-week weight loss strategy involving increased physical activity, self-selected hypocaloric diet, and group support on psychological well-being, quality of life, and health practices in moderately obese women. METHODS: Eighty women aged 20 to 49 years weighing between 20 to 50% above 1983 Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables were randomly assigned to a weight loss intervention (6,279 kJ/week of physical activity, 33,258 to 41,462 kJ/week diet and weekly meetings) or served as controls. Subjects were tested pre and post 12-weeks. RESULTS: The intervention group lost significant (p < 0.001) body weight (kg) and body fat (%) compared to controls (-6.07 +/- 4.01 kg versus 1.31 +/- 1.28 kg; 36.8% to 32.5% versus 36.2% to 36.0%). Intervention subjects versus controls achieved significant improvements (p < 0.001) in body cathexis (mean change 18.6 +/- 16.7 versus 0.7 +/- 8.6) and estimation of ability to achieve physical fitness (mean change 8.1 +/- 7.1 versus 0.9 +/- 5.9). Various quality of life indices also improved (p < 0.01) in the intervention group compared to controls (physical function: mean change 13.5.2 +/- 16.7 versus 1.4 +/- 9.5; vitality: mean change 21.7 +/- 17.9 versus 2.9 +/- 20.8; mental health: mean change 10.4 +/- 16.0 versus 2.3 +/- 10.1). Similarly, physical activity levels also improved significantly (p < 0.0001) in the intervention group (4.4 +/- 2.3 versus 0.6 +/- 1.3; on NASA 0 to 7 scale). CONCLUSIONS: Practical weight loss practices such as increased activity, self-selected hypocaloric diet, and group support are effective for weight loss and yield significant health and psychological benefits in moderately obese females.

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