Weight loss records of 236 obese students were analyzed. At first all of them received diet education (1,700 kcal) at the out-patient clinic. Then 89 of them participated in the group therapy using behavior modification. Follow-up results of these obese students were compared with those of 147 obese students who did not take part in the group therapy. Initial body weight of the therapy and the control group were 83.2±1.3 kg (Broca's index: 136.4±1.8%) and 80.4±0.8 kg (134.5±1.0%) respectively. After one year, the therapy group showed 5.0±0.6 kg weight loss (p<0.001), while the control group lost only 1.2±0.4 kg (p<0.01). The difference of these weight loss was statistically significant (p<0.001). Blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), skinfolds thickness (arm, scapular and abdominal) and blood chemical data (triglyceride and GPT) were also decreased significantly after one year in the group therapy group, while only arm skinfolds and GPT in the control group.
　Furthermore paper questionnaire was carried out to explore the long term results. After more than 3 years (4.5±0.3 years), the therapy group lost 6.7±1.5 kg (p<0.001), while the control group exhibited 3.2±0.8 kg weight loss (p<0.10). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05).
　From these results it might be concluded that the group behavior therapy is effective for Japanese obese students.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.6/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE