LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the effect on the weight, health and functioning of cognitive-emotive training (CET) delivered by registered dietitians (RDs) to obese adults.

CET produces specific psychological, biomedical and behavioral skills in obese adults and was developed at UGSF by Mellin based on the same theory as the Shapedown Program, a family based pediatric obesity intervention. Participation hi family based child obesity treatment has been associated with maintenance of weight losses at 10-year follow-up. CET was delivered to 29 adults by an R.D and mental health professional. Groups met weekly (X = 18 weeks). Data were available on 21 of these patients (19 non-hispanic whites, 1 hispanic, 1 black; 20 females, 1 male; X age = 44.2 years (23–58 years); X BMI - 33.2 (24.2 to 44.8). At post-treatment, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased 7.8% and 10.2% respectively and mean depression scores decreased 62.7%. Weight loss at 12 ,26 and 52 weeks was -9.6#, -13.3# and -13.5$ respectively. Mean post-treatment weight change of CET was - 3.51 compared to + 8.4# based on reference data for behavior modification (Ann Intern Med 1993:119 (7 pt 2): 689-701). Mean changes in exercise (min/wk) of CET at 12, 26 and 52 weeks were +138, +108 and +136 respectively. Improvement in functioning at one year was reported by 90% of CET subjects for health, 33% for medications, 19% for substance use, 42% for financial management, 90% for work effectiveness, 81% for relationship satisfaction and 90% for psychological functioning. Data consistent with recommendations (JADA 95:96-105,1995) will be presented. CET may produce long term improvements in the health and functioning of obese patients. Additional studies have been planned.