A brief intervention for weight management in primary care: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Clinical Trials
• Obesity Management

Background:

• Obesity affects 25% of UK adults, increasing chronic disease risk.
• General practitioners (GPs) rarely discuss weight management or support behavior change.
• Commercial weight management services are more effective than primary care interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of GP-initiated weight management referrals versus simple weight loss advice.
• To explore patient and GP perceptions of opportunistic weight management discussions.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness of different weight management interventions.

Main Methods:

• A controlled trial randomizing 1824 obese patients (BMI 30+) to two groups: referral to a weight management service or medical advice to lose weight.
• Objective measurement of weight and height at baseline and 12-month follow-up.
• Telephone follow-up at 3 months to assess weight management actions taken.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome is weight change at 12 months.
• Secondary outcomes include patient and GP attitudes, weight management behaviors, and cost per kg/m2 lost.
• Recruitment is feasible within 46 weeks across 60 GP practices.

Conclusions:

• Trial results may support the implementation of brief interventions for obesity in primary care.
• Findings could lead to widespread treatments similar to the NHS Stop Smoking Service.
• The intervention may be integrated into the Quality and Outcomes Framework and adopted globally.