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The results showed the same pattern as in previous years. For the first
six to eight weeks there was an excellent response from nearly all the girls,
this then slowed down and, while many continued with a steady weight loss
until they reached their ideal weight, others remained the same or even
started to put on weight again. There was a striking difference in results
between the average weight loss of the 'new' groups and that of the 'old'
ones, and the group discussions revealed that the majority of girls who were
unsuccessful in achieving satisfactory weight loss were both low in motivation
and parental support.
In October it became necessary to hand over the clinic for a few months,
and I am very grateful to Dr. Simmonds who kindly agreed to follow up the
progress of existing patients during my absence. The girls are being offered
appointments at two to three monthly intervals, and this will provide useful
information about their ability to maintain progress without very frequent
reinforcement of advice and encouragement.
Early in the year a questionnaire was sent to all the girls wlio had
attended an initial introductory session of the clinic followed by at least one
further visit. It did not include any girl who was still attending the clinic,
however infrequently. 84 questionnaires were sent out and, after several
weeks 54 completed forms were returned plus 3 which were invalid.