Treatment of obesity: cost-benefit assessment of behavioral therapy, placebo, and two anorectic drugs.

Mazindol, diethylpropion, and a placebo were compared with behavioral therapy for effectiveness in producing weight reduction in an outpatient obesity clinic. Each method was also compared in cost and harmful side effects. The patients were recruited from the middle and lower socioeconomic groups. Of the 120 patients beginning treatment, only 33 completed the entire 14-week study. There was no statistically significant difference in the weight loss among the treatment groups. The program of behavioral therapy was administered by a dietitian who as experienced in the techniques of behavior modification; the drug treatment groups were seen by physicians. We conclude that behavioral therapy may be the treatment of choice in an outpatient obese population since it requires little physician time, is less expensive, and avoids the side effects of anorectic drugs.