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06:13
Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Acute Effects of Strength Exercise on Insulin Sensitivity in Obese Adults
Published on: December 1, 2023
A pilot randomized trial comparing a commercial weight loss program with a clinic-based intervention for weight loss
Adam G Tsai1, Elizabeth Raube, Judith Conrad
1Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Journal of Primary Care & Community Health
|June 28, 2013
Summary
A clinic-based weight loss intervention proved more effective than a commercial program. This study highlights the potential role of primary care in combating obesity.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Obesity Research
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Obesity is a growing epidemic in the United States.
- Primary care settings are increasingly involved in weight management.
- Effectiveness of clinic-based versus commercial weight loss programs requires comparison.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a commercial weight loss program with a clinic-based intervention.
- To evaluate weight change as the primary outcome.
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 46 participants (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m²).
- Participants were assigned to either a commercial program (Weight Watchers) or a clinic-based intervention.
- The clinic intervention included 12 visits over 17 weeks, with options for meal replacements or medication.
Main Results:
- The clinic group lost an average of 4.0 kg, while the commercial program group lost 0.4 kg (P = .04).
- Within the clinic arm, weight loss was 3.2 kg with meal replacements and 5.0 kg with phentermine.
Conclusions:
- A clinic-based intervention demonstrated superior weight loss compared to a popular commercial program.
- This trial suggests that primary care settings can effectively implement weight loss interventions.
- Further research is needed to explore the role of primary care in obesity management.
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