Can the Moderately Retarded Overweight Teenager Lose Weight by Behavioral Techniques?
A behavioral weight reduction model for moderately mentally retarded adolescents is described. Six phases of the treatment program are delineated: background in information; selection of students; preintervention procedures (self monitoring and establishing goal weights); active intervention (training, reinforcement, instruction); maintenance (including parent inservice on nutrition); and followup 4 to 6 months after the last maintenance meeting. Field test data are cited which show significant weight reduction from the behavioral approach. The model is explained to stress the active participation of students and parents in developing appropriate eating habits.
