Can lighter become thinner?

Documenting from the available literature on the behavioral control of obesity, the stress placed upon body weight in selecting patients and in re-evaluating programs and calorie restriction in producing change, this article discusses whether current behavioral approaches could provide more comprehensive treatment that would maximize the likelihood of its recipients becoming thinner (losing fat). More attention to fat measurement and to incorporating calorie expenditure practices in treatment is advocated. The negative energy balance, initiated by behavioral techniques through changes in specific behaviors, is viewed as capable of being most beneficial for many obese persons when both of its constituents are manipulated.