Exercise, Support Help Keep Weight Off

Exercise and support can make the difference in weight-loss programs, two new studies suggest. One study included 130 severely obese people. Their average weight was 264 pounds. They were randomly divided into two groups. Both got free low-calorie meals and counseling support. One group started an exercise program right away. The other started it after 6 months. After a year, the first group had lost an average of 27 pounds. The group that delayed exercising lost 22 pounds. The other study included 442 women. Their average weight was 200 pounds. They were divided into 3 groups. Two got Jenny Craig meals for free. One of these groups got counseling at Jenny Craig centers, and the other group by phone. Women in the third group did not get free food. They met with a dietician and had monthly follow-up calls.