Developing and testing evidence-based weight management in Australian pharmacies: A Healthier Life Program

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Public Health
• Weight Management Interventions

Background:

• Pharmacies offer a prime setting for delivering weight management services beyond product dispensing.
• A best-practice model program was developed and piloted to integrate evidence-based weight management into Australian community pharmacies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot a pharmacist-delivered, evidence-based, non-product-centred weight management service for Australian community pharmacies.
• The study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of such a program.

Main Methods:

• The A Healthier Life Program (AHLP) was developed based on Australian guidelines and stakeholder input.
• Pharmacists received training to deliver the 3-month intervention targeting diet, physical activity, and behavioral change through six face-to-face sessions.
• Outcomes measured included weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, dietary intake, and physical activity levels, alongside qualitative feedback.

Main Results:

• Thirty-four participants enrolled in the pilot across eight pharmacies; 65% completed the program.
• Program completers achieved a mean weight loss of 3.5 kg and a mean waist circumference reduction of 2.0 cm.
• Participants reported positive experiences, valuing the pharmacy's accessibility and their comfort with the pharmacist.

Conclusions:

• The A Healthier Life Program (AHLP) was well-received by participants, demonstrating successful achievement of targeted weight loss.
• This study confirms that an evidence-based, patient-centered weight management program can be successfully implemented within Australian community pharmacies.