Comparative effectiveness of weight-loss interventions in clinical practice

Area of Science:

• Clinical Research
• Obesity Medicine
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Obesity and its associated cardiovascular complications represent a significant public health challenge.
• There is a scarcity of evidence regarding effective weight loss strategies in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of two distinct behavioral weight loss interventions for obese patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
• To compare remote-only support versus in-person support combined with remote methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 415 obese patients with cardiovascular risk factors over 24 months.
• Interventions included remote support (telephone, web, email) and in-person support (group, individual sessions) plus remote methods.
• A control group engaged in self-directed weight loss, with primary care provider reinforcement for all groups.

Main Results:

• Both intervention groups achieved statistically significant weight loss compared to the control group (P<0.001).
• Mean weight loss was -4.6 kg for remote support and -5.1 kg for in-person support at 24 months.
• The percentage of participants losing at least 5% of initial body weight was 38.2% (remote) and 41.4% (in-person), versus 18.8% (control).

Conclusions:

• Behavioral weight loss interventions, whether delivered remotely or with in-person support, lead to clinically significant and sustained weight loss in obese patients.
• These findings support the implementation of structured weight management programs in primary care.