II. In vivo self-control training

Behavioral treatment of hyperlipidemia: techniques, results, and future directions

The present review examines the role of several target behaviors in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, including diet, exercise, cigarette smoking, Type A pattern, and medication adherence. Modification of the typical American diet (high in cholesterol, fat, and sodium) is emphasized in the treatment of hyperlipidemia since a multitude of laboratory, clinical, and epidemiological studies have shown that diet plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of this condition and an increase in coronary risk. Factors affecting patient compliance such as health beliefs and family support are discussed in terms of their impact on behavior change efforts aimed at reducing plasma lipids through dietary and drug regimens. Intervention studies are reviewed in the behavioral treatment of hyperlipidemia. These programs have focused on diet modification, exercise, and medication adherence to reduce plasma lipids and coronary risk. The role of other target behaviors (i.e., Type A pattern and smoking) is explored not only in determining coronary risk but also in terms of their direct impact on plasma lipids. Further research is necessary to clarify the relationship between these target behaviors and plasma lipid levels and to investigate the effects of innovative family- and group-based intervention procedures in promoting and maintaining habit change related to coronary risk reduction.

Treatment of overweight: I. Relationship between initial weight and weight change during behavior therapy of overweight individuals: analysis of data from previous studies

Data from studies of the use of behavior therapy in the treatment of overweight are used to compute correlations between initial weight and weight change. There is a tendency for those with the highest initial weight to lose the most weight. The relationship appears higher when both men and women are included than if data are only from women and when treatment is longer. It is suggested that these results may tentatively be seen as implying a similar relationship between initial disturbance and outcome of treatment in psychotherapy generally.