A pilot study of medication and group therapy for obesity in a group of physicians.

This pilot study evaluated group therapy and the appetite suppressant activity of phenylpropanolamine in a group of juvenile-onset obese physicians. In spite of their educational level and their medical sophistication, they were not previously successfully motivated to lose weight. Twelve obese but otherwise healthy physicians participated in a program using phenylpropanolamine one or two times per day and attending weekly group therapy that focused on weight reduction, dietary compliance, physical appearance, and psychodynamics of obesity. Those who continued participation in both the medication and group discussions showed significant weight loss, an average of 23.3 pounds at the end of 12 weeks, 33.2 pounds at 22 weeks and continued weight loss maintenance for up to two years.