Weight-loss programs in convenient care clinics: a prospective cohort study

Area of Science:

• Obesity Medicine
• Public Health
• Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

• Obesity is a major public health concern requiring effective management strategies.
• Convenient Care Clinics (CCCs) offer accessible healthcare settings for various medical interventions.
• Integrating weight-loss programs into retail pharmacy settings may improve accessibility and patient adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a medical weight-loss program delivered through a Convenient Care Clinic (CCC) in promoting weight loss.
• To assess the feasibility and outcomes of a retail-based weight management intervention.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted over 10 weeks.
• Participants enrolled in the 'Lean for Life' program at a CCC located within a retail pharmacy.
• The intervention included a hypocaloric diet (900-1200 kcal/day), individual counseling, and optional pharmacologic support.

Main Results:

• Eighty-six subjects completed the 10-week program, with an average starting BMI of 30.3.
• Mean weight loss increased with program duration: -1.6% (0-4 weeks), -6.0% (5-9 weeks), and -8.1% (10 weeks).
• Forty-five percent of participants achieved medically significant weight loss (≥5%).

Conclusions:

• A medical weight-loss program offered at a CCC within a retail pharmacy setting can lead to medically significant weight loss.
• This model demonstrates potential for effective weight management interventions in accessible community locations.
• Further research into retail-medical industry collaborations for weight loss is recommended.