Dataset Information

Commercial Programs' Online Weight-Loss Claims Compared to Results from Randomized Controlled Trials.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To characterize weight-loss claims and disclaimers present on websites for commercial weight-loss programs and compare them with results from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

A content analysis of all home pages and testimonials available on the websites of 24 randomly selected programs was performed. Two team members independently reviewed each page and abstracted information from text and images to capture relevant content, including demographics, weight loss, and disclaimers. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy of these programs by searching MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the mean weight change from each RCT included was abstracted.

Results

Overall, the amount of weight loss portrayed in the testimonials was extreme across all programs examined (range median weight loss 10.7-49.5 kg). Only 10 out of the 24 programs had eligible RCTs. Median weight losses reported in testimonials exceeded that achieved by trial participants. Most programs with RCTs (78%) provided disclaimers stating that the testimonial's results were nontypical and/or gave a range of typical weight loss.

Conclusions

Weight-loss claims within testimonials were higher than results from RCTs. Future studies should examine whether commercial programs' advertising practices influence patients' expectations or satisfaction with modest weight-loss results.

SUBMITTER: Vakil RM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5678966 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Commercial Programs' Online Weight-Loss Claims Compared to Results from Randomized Controlled Trials.

Vakil Rachit M RM Chaudhry Zoobia W ZW Doshi Ruchi S RS Clark Jeanne M JM Gudzune Kimberly A KA

Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.) 20170902 11

<h4>Objective</h4>To characterize weight-loss claims and disclaimers present on websites for commercial weight-loss programs and compare them with results from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).<h4>Methods</h4>A content analysis of all home pages and testimonials available on the websites of 24 randomly selected programs was performed. Two team members independently reviewed each page and abstracted information from text and images to capture relevant content, including demographics, ...[more]

PMID: 28865085

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Project description:Commercial and proprietary weight-loss programs are popular obesity treatment options, but their efficacy is unclear.To compare weight loss, adherence, and harms of commercial or proprietary weight-loss programs versus control/education (no intervention, printed materials only, health education curriculum, or <3 sessions with a provider) or behavioral counseling among overweight and obese adults.MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to November 2014; references identified by program staff.Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of at least 12 weeks' duration; prospective case series of at least 12 months' duration (harms only).Two reviewers extracted information on study design, population characteristics, interventions, and mean percentage of weight change and assessed risk of bias.We included 45 studies, 39 of which were RCTs. At 12 months, Weight Watchers participants achieved at least 2.6% greater weight loss than those assigned to control/education. Jenny Craig resulted in at least 4.9% greater weight loss at 12 months than control/education and counseling. Nutrisystem resulted in at least 3.8% greater weight loss at 3 months than control/education and counseling. Very-low-calorie programs (Health Management Resources, Medifast, and OPTIFAST) resulted in at least 4.0% greater short-term weight loss than counseling, but some attenuation of effect occurred beyond 6 months when reported. Atkins resulted in 0.1% to 2.9% greater weight loss at 12 months than counseling. Results for SlimFast were mixed. We found limited evidence to evaluate adherence or harms for all programs and weight outcomes for other commercial programs.Many trials were short (<12 months), had high attrition, and lacked blinding.Clinicians could consider referring overweight or obese patients to Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. Other popular programs, such as Nutrisystem, show promising weight-loss results; however, additional studies evaluating long-term outcomes are needed.None. (CRD4201-4007155).

Project description:BackgroundObesity is a global public health challenge, and there is a need for more evidence-based self-management programs that support longer-term, sustained weight loss.ObjectiveThis study used data from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Total Wellbeing Diet Online program to determine the reach and weight loss results over its first 5 years.MethodsParticipants were adults who joined the commercial weight loss program of their own volition between October 2014 and September 2019 (N=61,164). Information collected included year of birth, sex, height, weight, and usage data (eg, entries into the food diary, views of the menu, and program content). Weight loss and percentage of starting body weight lost were calculated. Members were divided into 2 groups for analysis: "stayers" were members who signed up for at least 12 weeks of the program and recorded a weight entry at baseline and at the end of the program, while "starters" began the program but did not record a weight after 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used to describe weight loss and determine the member and program characteristics associated with weight loss.ResultsData were available from 59,686 members for analysis. Members were predominately female (48,979/59,686, 82.06%) with an average age of 50 years (SD 12.6). The average starting weight was 90.2 kg (SD 19.7), and over half of all members (34,195/59,688, 57.29%) were classified as obese. At week 12, 94.56% (56,438/59,686) of the members had a paid program membership, which decreased to 41.48% (24,756/59,686) at 24 weeks. At week 12, 52.03% (29,115/55,958) of the remaining members were actively using the platform, and by week 24, 26.59% (14,880/55,958) were using the platform. The average weight loss for all members was 2.8 kg or 3.1% of their starting body weight. Stayers lost 4.9 kg (5.3% of starting body weight) compared to starters, who lost 1.6 kg (1.7% of starting body weight). Almost half (11,082/22,658, 48.91%) the members who stayed on the program lost 5% or more of their starting body weight, and 15.48% (3507/22,658) achieved a weight loss of 10% or more. Of the members who were classified as class 1 obese when they joined the program, 41.39% (3065/7405) who stayed on the program were no longer classified as obese at the end, and across all categories of obesity, 24% (3180/13,319) were no longer classified as obese at the end of the program. Based on multiple linear regression, platform usage was the strongest predictor of weight loss (β=.263; P<.001), with higher usage associated with greater weight loss.ConclusionsThis comprehensive evaluation of a commercial, online weight loss program showed that it was effective for weight loss, particularly for members who finished the program and were active in using the platform and tools provided. If the results demonstrated here can be achieved at an even greater scale, the potential social and economic benefits will be extremely significant.

Dataset Information

Commercial Programs' Online Weight-Loss Claims Compared to Results from Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Commercial Programs' Online Weight-Loss Claims Compared to Results from Randomized Controlled Trials.

Similar Datasets

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