Group therapy has the advantage of lower cost. Patients should be taught to record the amount and types of food they eat, the caloric values, and nutrient composition. Keeping a record of the frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity likewise will add insight to personal behavior. Coping strategies, meditation, and relaxation techniques all have been successfully employed to reduce stress. Verbal as well as tangible rewards can be useful, particularly for adults.
Rewards can come from either the professional team or from the patients themselves.
For example, self-rewards can be monetary or social and should be encouraged. Family members, friends, or colleagues can assist an individual in maintaining motivation and providing positive reinforcement. Some patients may benefit by entering a weight reduction support group. Parents and children should work together to engage in and maintain healthy dietary and physical activity habits. Behavioral therapy strategies to promote diet and physical activity should be used routinely, as they are helpful in achieving weight loss and weight maintenance.