CSOWM CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
TEST 2026 COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
WITH FULL SOLUTIONS
⩥ stimulus control. Answer: change cues with target eating/activity
behavior to facilitate a particular behavior (environmental manipulation
to encourage behaviors). Example: if person struggles to only eat 1
serving of ice cream; don't keep large container in freezer, instead have
them purchase single serving 1x/week.
⩥ goal setting. Answer: provides clear assessment of progress; DPP
tracks avg daily calorie goal, weekly mins of physical activity, # of days
to record food log.
⩥ weight loss effectiveness. Answer: weight loss of 8-10 kg/%initial
weight; rate = 0.4-0.5 kg/week.
⩥ monitoring weight. Answer: the most successful in maintaining lost
weight were those who monitored their weight >weekly.
⩥ Most effective delivery method for behavioral therapy. Answer: face
to face>internet>minimal... A study found that 2x/month of 15-20 min
phone calls were equally effective to 60 minutes on site group
counseling in maintaining initial weight loss -- academic setting >
community or primary care setting.
,⩥ Exercise impact on weight regain, recommendation. Answer:
minimize weight regain by 60 minutes/day of brisk walking. Weight loss
benefit seen in 30-60 minutes/day of activity; if doing this much exercise
more likely to limit wt regain by >30%. Maintain 10%+ wt lost by
increasing exercise by 275 minutes/wk above baseline.
⩥ Orlistat. Answer: fat blocker (lipase inhibitor), only FDA approved
drug for weight loss, moderately effective yielding 3-4 kg weight loss.
⩥ Behavioral therapy effectiveness. Answer: effective to reduce weight
by 10% and significantly improve health.
⩥ Intervention with BMI 25+. Answer: exercise, diet, and behavioral
modification
⩥ Long-term weight loss and regain success. Answer: frequent, long-
term provider contact after initial wt loss; when therapy stopped, weight
regain occurs.
⩥ adherence to diet vs actual diet more effective for weight loss?.
Answer: adherence to diet
, ⩥ average weight loss via behavioral intervention in first 6 months.
Answer: decrease by 8 kg BW, average weight regain 1-2 kg/yr (faster
initially).
⩥ What is a reason weight maintenance can be more difficult?. Answer:
decrease in positive feed back when in weight maintenance vs weight
loss
⩥ Small improvements to weight regain seen with these strategies.
Answer: 1. increase professional/peer support
2. decrease boredom by varying intervention i.e. food replacement.
3. facilitate self-regulation (establish prior to weight loss efforts)
4. vary dose/intensity/behavioral support for physical activity.
*generic/behavior/psych characteristics do not equate to weight loss
outcomes prediction.
**very small, but statistically significant increase seen.
⩥ Negative physiological results of weight loss. Answer: 1. increased
rewarding value of food
2. decreased satiation
3. increased metabolic efficiency
4. prefer to use CHO over fat for energy
5. maximize absorption/storage of nutrients when available. (positive fat
balance)
TEST 2026 COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
WITH FULL SOLUTIONS
⩥ stimulus control. Answer: change cues with target eating/activity
behavior to facilitate a particular behavior (environmental manipulation
to encourage behaviors). Example: if person struggles to only eat 1
serving of ice cream; don't keep large container in freezer, instead have
them purchase single serving 1x/week.
⩥ goal setting. Answer: provides clear assessment of progress; DPP
tracks avg daily calorie goal, weekly mins of physical activity, # of days
to record food log.
⩥ weight loss effectiveness. Answer: weight loss of 8-10 kg/%initial
weight; rate = 0.4-0.5 kg/week.
⩥ monitoring weight. Answer: the most successful in maintaining lost
weight were those who monitored their weight >weekly.
⩥ Most effective delivery method for behavioral therapy. Answer: face
to face>internet>minimal... A study found that 2x/month of 15-20 min
phone calls were equally effective to 60 minutes on site group
counseling in maintaining initial weight loss -- academic setting >
community or primary care setting.
,⩥ Exercise impact on weight regain, recommendation. Answer:
minimize weight regain by 60 minutes/day of brisk walking. Weight loss
benefit seen in 30-60 minutes/day of activity; if doing this much exercise
more likely to limit wt regain by >30%. Maintain 10%+ wt lost by
increasing exercise by 275 minutes/wk above baseline.
⩥ Orlistat. Answer: fat blocker (lipase inhibitor), only FDA approved
drug for weight loss, moderately effective yielding 3-4 kg weight loss.
⩥ Behavioral therapy effectiveness. Answer: effective to reduce weight
by 10% and significantly improve health.
⩥ Intervention with BMI 25+. Answer: exercise, diet, and behavioral
modification
⩥ Long-term weight loss and regain success. Answer: frequent, long-
term provider contact after initial wt loss; when therapy stopped, weight
regain occurs.
⩥ adherence to diet vs actual diet more effective for weight loss?.
Answer: adherence to diet
, ⩥ average weight loss via behavioral intervention in first 6 months.
Answer: decrease by 8 kg BW, average weight regain 1-2 kg/yr (faster
initially).
⩥ What is a reason weight maintenance can be more difficult?. Answer:
decrease in positive feed back when in weight maintenance vs weight
loss
⩥ Small improvements to weight regain seen with these strategies.
Answer: 1. increase professional/peer support
2. decrease boredom by varying intervention i.e. food replacement.
3. facilitate self-regulation (establish prior to weight loss efforts)
4. vary dose/intensity/behavioral support for physical activity.
*generic/behavior/psych characteristics do not equate to weight loss
outcomes prediction.
**very small, but statistically significant increase seen.
⩥ Negative physiological results of weight loss. Answer: 1. increased
rewarding value of food
2. decreased satiation
3. increased metabolic efficiency
4. prefer to use CHO over fat for energy
5. maximize absorption/storage of nutrients when available. (positive fat
balance)
