Although the augmental value of exercise to behavioral weight control programs has been suggested, demonstration of this value is dependent upon an assessment of adherence to change in eating habits and activity patterns. Self-report measures of adherence were obtained from overweight college women undergoing treatment that involved either dietary restriction or dietary restriction with exercise. Change in recovery pulse rate was used as an additional measure of adherence to exercise. Results analyzed after 10 weeks of treatment revealed that all subjects reported high levels of adherence when caloric intake and output were recorded. Neither group adhered to good eating habits consistently; however, the diet/exercise group increased their activity levels. The findings suggest that the differential weight loss between groups may be attributed to an increase in physical activity by the exercise group. (NRB)