List and describe five features of obesity treatment programs that promote lasting behavior change

What will be an ideal response?

The following elements of treatment promote lasting behavior change:
• A lifestyle change to a nutritious diet lower in calories, sugar, and fat, plus regular exercise. Although most people believe that only temporary lifestyle changes are needed, research confirms that permanent modifications are essential.
• Training participants to keep an accurate record of food intake and body weight. About 30 to 35 percent of obese people sincerely believe they eat less than they do. And although they have continued to gain weight, American adults generally report weight losses—suggesting that they are in denial about the seriousness of their weight condition.
• Social support. Group or individual counseling and encouragement from friends and relatives help sustain weight-loss efforts by fostering self-esteem and self-efficacy.
• Teaching problem-solving skills. Most overweight adults do not realize that because their body has adapted to overweight, difficult periods requiring high self-control and patience are inevitable in successful weight loss. Weight-loss maintainers are more likely than individuals who relapse to be conscious of their behavior, to use social support, and to confront problems directly.
• Extended intervention. Longer treatments (from 25 to 40 weeks) that include the components listed here grant people time to develop new habits.