Dataset Information

Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the Management of Obesity: an Update.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Comprehensive lifestyle programs are cornerstones of obesity management, but clinician referrals may be limited by program availability. Commercial weight loss programs may be an alternative, but clinicians may be unaware of their efficacy and safety. This review describes the evidence for commercial programs, particularly 12-month weight loss, among individuals with obesity.

Recent findings

Several programs are concordant with evidence-based recommendations (i.e., lower-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral strategies). Among the guideline-concordant programs, National Diabetes Prevention Program, WW, Jenny Craig, Medifast, and OPTIFAST have demonstrated 12-month weight loss efficacy and safety. While other programs show promise, more evidence is needed before clinician referral may be recommended. Clinical practice guidelines support referrals to commercial weight loss programs that have peer-reviewed evidence to support their efficacy and safety. Clinicians should consider the available evidence, patient preference, and cost when considering referrals to these programs for weight management.

SUBMITTER: Laudenslager M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8159888 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the Management of Obesity: an Update.

Laudenslager Marci M Chaudhry Zoobia W ZW Rajagopal Selvi S Clynes Sasha S Gudzune Kimberly A KA

Current obesity reports 20210220 2

<h4>Purpose of review</h4>Comprehensive lifestyle programs are cornerstones of obesity management, but clinician referrals may be limited by program availability. Commercial weight loss programs may be an alternative, but clinicians may be unaware of their efficacy and safety. This review describes the evidence for commercial programs, particularly 12-month weight loss, among individuals with obesity.<h4>Recent findings</h4>Several programs are concordant with evidence-based recommendations (i.e ...[more]

PMID: 33609270

Similar Datasets

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).

Dataset Information

Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the Management of Obesity: an Update.

Purpose of review

Recent findings

Publications

Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the Management of Obesity: an Update.

Similar Datasets

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