What Happens to Adults, From Different Socio-Economic Backgrounds, Who Join a Community Weight Management Programme?...

IntroductionReal-world behavioural interventions are required that support long-term weight loss maintenance. This study evaluates the most recent weight and body mass index (BMI) outcomes of adults who first joined a community weight management programme in 2016 and accessed support >two years later.MethodsElectronic records enabled matching of data for members engaging/re-engaging between 2018 and January 2025.ResultsOf 100,393 adults, (8.5% male), mean age and BMI at baseline were 49.4 (13.79) years and 33.9 (6.82) kg/m². 93.7% were matched to an Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile with 15.1% (n=14,238) in the 20% most and 24.3% (n=22,839) in the 20% least deprived. Across all years of last attendance, a minimum mean weight loss of >10% was achieved. Those last attending in 2024 achieved/maintained a weight loss of 13.7 (8.86) % and BMI reduction of 4.85 (3.83) kg/m². Reaching a personal target in 2016, being at target weight at follow-up and the level of target set all predicted greater weight loss maintenance (p<0.001). Socioeconomic status explained little of the overall variance, but members from Q1 (most deprived) achieved greater weight loss maintenance than members from Q5 (least deprived) (p<0.02).ConclusionWhere extended data was available, this study shows that adults living with excess weight at baseline were able to maintain a clinically beneficial weight loss of >10% for up to nine years after support was first accessed. The importance of setting targets in behavioural weight management interventions is demonstrated. Members from more socially disadvantaged IMD quintiles achieved greater weight losses over the extended follow up suggesting the support was appropriately tailored to meet different needs.