Prescribed level of caloric restriction in behavioral weight loss programs

Thirty-six clients were randomly assigned to three behavioral weight control groups that differed in the magnitude of behavior change prescribed during the initial weeks of treatment. Subjects in a gradual restriction group were instructed to reduce their intake gradually over the first 5 weeks of the program, decreasing daily intake by 200 calories the first week, and an additional 200 calories each subsequent week until reaching a 1000 calorie deficit. Subjects in a moderate restriction group were told to reduce intake immediately by 1000 calories per day and maintain this level throughout the program. Subjects in a large initial restriction condition were told to reduce daily intake by 1500 calories for 3 weeks and then gradually increase to a 1000 calorie a day deficit. All groups were told to maintain the 1000 calorie daily deficit during the latter 5 weeks of treatment and 4 months of maintenance. These different dietary instructions produced no differences in initial weight loss or subsequent weight loss. Compliance to dietary instructions, as measured by self-reported intake and weight loss, was best in the moderate restriction group. A moderate initial caloric reduction of 1000 calories per day may be the level naturally reached by dieters, independent of diet instructions.