The purpose of this study was to invetigate factors that might produce greater weight loss using computer-assisted therapy. Fifty-seven overweight women were randomized to a weight loss program using a pocket computer only (CAT group) or a guided 1200 calorie weight loss diet followed by the use of the pocket computer after a weight loss of 3.5 to 4.5 kg (FFF+ group). All subjects met for four, 1.5 hour group meetings to review their progress. There was a significant weight loss in both groups from preto post-treatment twelve weeks later, with the FFF+ group losing significantly more weight than the CAT only group (5.3 vs. 3.1 kg, respectively). The pretreatment to six-month follow-up weight loss was 3.8 and 0.9 kg for the FFF+ and CAT groups, respectively. Both groups exhibited significant reduction in serum lipids.