Evaluation of a Lifestyle and Weight Management Program Within Rural General Practice

Australia has one of the highest rates of obesity in the developed world. In response to increasing rates of overweight and obesity in rural Australia, one regional primary health network commissioned the development of a multi-faceted weight and lifestyle management program, addressing nutrition, physical activity, and psychological approaches to behavioral change. This study evaluated the success of the program that was implemented in multiple general practices within regional New South Wales.

De-identified data were received from 16 general practices that participated in the Murrumbidgee Lifestyle and Weight Management Program (MLWMP). Patient weight outcome and functional status measures were determined using descriptive statistics (SPSS).

Mean body mass index (BMI) of the 1217 participants was 37.4 kg/m² and 75% of participants were female. Almost 40% of participants who had a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m² had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Upon completion of the program at 6 months, participants had lost an average of 3.2 kg. Over 31% of participants had lost at least 5% of their initial weight and 40% had reduced their waist circumference by at least 5 cm. Overall health and functional status measures were significantly higher upon program completion. There were significant improvements in quality of life measures regardless of level of weight loss during the program.

The MLWMP, implemented in general practices within rural and regional Australia, had positive effects on both practices and participants demonstrating the value of intervention programs in primary care. Participants achieved a modest reduction in BMI, waist circumference, and weight. Further work is needed to determine the longer-term success of the program.