What would you recommend to slow down oil burning?

I have a friend with a 1997 Saturn, and although it runs very well and performs reliably, it burns oil like crazy. According to my research, it was manufactured with crappy piston rings and it's a common problem with this model. Aside from tearing down the engine and replacing the rings with better aftermarket rings, are there any tricks for stopping or at least reducing oil burning? Do any additives actually help, or is it all just snake oil? Would a thicker oil help, or just make things worse?