Randomized Trial of Tapas Acupressure for Weight Loss Maintenance

This randomized clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of TAT(Tapas Acupressure Technique) compared to a Social Support (SS) group for the primary outcome of weight loss maintenance. We recruit obese adults from the Kaiser Permanente Northwest managed care setting. Those who meet eligibility criteria are entered into an intensive six-month weekly group-based behavioral weight loss program. Those who meet threshold weight loss criteria (n=~288) are randomly assigned to either TAT instruction or social support group. Participants in both groups attend the same schedule of group meetings with parallel contact hours. Participants in the TAT group are advised to practice the technique at home. Participants are weighed and questionnaires administered at entry, randomization, and at 12 and 18 months post entry. The main outcome measure is weight at 18 months.