In the past few years, a comprehensive behavioral treatment program has often been the treatment of choice for obesity. The basis for these techniques is the energy balance model of weight control. Obese adults (N=28) completed a 10-week behavioral weight control program and were subsequently monitored during a 2-year follow-up period. During treatment, subjects received a manual describing 12 behaviors designed to facilitate weight loss. Although the results indicated that self-reported compliance with the behaviors was variable, compliance with particular behaviors was significantly related to both treatment and follow-up weight loss. The findings indicate the importance of establishing a negative energy balance; i.e., after initial weight loss has occurred, subjects must continue to monitor their caloric intake. (Author/JAC)