Weight loss effects in usual primary care: Findings from 5 behavioral weight loss RCTs

Primary care is an important setting for obesity treatment and behavior therapy is considered the first line. However, current practice often does not meet clinical guidelines and, furthermore, effects of usual care (UC) on weight loss are unclear. This makes it difficult to design sufficiently powered weight loss trials in primary care. This study analyzed data from UC control participants across 5 primary care-based randomized clinical trials of behavioral weight loss interventions to assess UC effects for 4 weight outcomes: body mass index (BMI), weight change (kg and %), and percent of participants achieving clinically significant 5% weight loss. Results indicated modest UC effects, suggesting modest weight loss is possible in usual primary care.