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Updated: May 24, 2026
06:55
Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (Propensity Score) using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index
Published on: January 8, 2020
Summary
The Counterweight Programme in Scotland effectively managed obesity, with patients achieving greater weight loss if they attended appointments. However, follow-up rates were lower in those not regularly using primary care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Obesity Management
- Health Services Research
Background:
- The Counterweight Programme is a clinically and cost-effective obesity management model in the UK.
- The Scottish Government implemented the Counterweight Programme in three phases between 2006-08.
- Implementation phases varied, with the third phase independent of other interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the implementation of the Counterweight Programme across 13 Scottish Health Boards.
- To compare 12-month patient outcomes with existing Counterweight Programme data.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Counterweight Programme in a Scottish population.
Main Methods:
- Screening included patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m² or BMI ≥ 28 kg/m² with co-morbidities.
- Patients attended nine structured appointments with a practitioner over 12 months.
- Data were collected from 184 general practices, 16 pharmacies, and one community-based service.
Main Results:
- 6,715 patients with a mean BMI of 37 kg/m² were enrolled.
- 26% of patients had a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m².
- 12-month follow-up attendance was 28%; 35.2% of these achieved ≥5% weight loss, compared to 30.7% in the original evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Patient characteristics in the Scottish Counterweight Programme were consistent with previous evaluations.
- Higher rates of loss to follow-up were observed in patients not routinely engaging with primary care.
- Patients who attended appointments demonstrated greater weight loss outcomes.
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