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Self-help weight loss versus a structured commercial program after 26 weeks: a randomized controlled study.

S Heshka1, F Greenway, J W Anderson

  • 1New York Obesity Research Center (SH, XP), St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia University, New York, New York 10025, USA.

The American Journal of Medicine
|September 21, 2000
PubMed
Summary
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Commercial weight-loss programs show greater success than self-help for weight management. Structured commercial plans significantly reduce body weight, BMI, and body fat in overweight individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Obesity research
  • Clinical nutrition
  • Behavioral medicine

Background:

  • Limited randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exist for commercial weight-loss programs.
  • Overweight and obesity are significant public health concerns requiring effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of a commercial weight-loss program versus a self-help program.
  • To evaluate effects on weight loss and obesity markers in overweight and obese adults.

Main Methods:

  • A 2-year, multicenter, randomized study involving 423 participants (BMI 27–40 kg/m²).
  • Interventions included a commercial program (Weight Watchers) or a self-help program with nutritionist sessions and materials.
  • Outcome measures: body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat, and serum homocysteine levels.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

  • After 26 weeks, the commercial program group showed significantly greater reductions in body weight (P<0.001) and BMI (P<0.001) compared to the self-help group.
  • Significant improvements in waist circumference and fat mass were observed in the commercial program group.
  • Serum homocysteine levels improved more in the commercial program group (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • A structured commercial weight-loss program is more effective for managing moderately overweight individuals.
  • Commercial programs offer a superior approach compared to brief counseling and self-help strategies.