Reducing risk of diabetes: the effects of a commercial lifestyle modification weight‐loss program on glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity

Abstract

Introduction Abnormal glucose metabolism is a prelude to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) showed that intensive lifestyle change program resulting in an average 5.6 kg weight loss over 3 years decreased the likelihood of developing diabetes in high risk adults by 58%. Whether or not a less costly intervention can yield similar results is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on glucose metabolism after 24 weeks in an ongoing weight-loss trial using a low-cost commercial (Weight Watchers, WW) lifestyle modification program. Methods Thirteen non-diabetic overweight and obese individuals were included in the analysis. All were enrolled in the WW program which that includes a balanced deficit diet, exercise, and weekly group meetings (mean age 39.6 ± 4.9 years). Fasting blood collection and oral glucose challenges were performed at baseline and after 24 weeks. Results Table 1 describes changes (24 week-baseline) over the course of 24 weeks. Significant differences refer to within group changes from baseline to week 24. Discussion Significant improvements in fasting insulin and glucose, AUCg and HOMA in the WW group suggest beneficial changes in glucose metabolism as the result of an average 5½% weight loss in this non-diabetic cohort. The WW program may be of significant value to overweight and obese people for the prevention of diabetes. Supported by a grant from Weight Watchers International