Commercial Weight Loss Program Research Articles

Randomized Trial of a Multifaceted Commercial Weight Loss Program

To test whether a commercial weight loss program promotes greater weight loss in overweight or obese women compared with control conditions and to describe the effect on plasma lipids, carotenoids, hormones, and fitness. Overweight or obese women were randomized to commercial weight loss program or control conditions (n=35 each). At randomization, participants were 41.1 (11.4) (mean [standard deviation]) years, BMI 34.0 (3.5) kg/m2, and weight 92.0 (11.1) kg. At 6 months, change in weight by intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis was -7.2 (6.7) kg and -7.8% (7.2%) in the intervention group vs. -0.3 (3.9) kg and -0.3% (4.5%) in the control group (n=35 for each; p<0.01). One-year ITT analysis revealed significantly greater change in weight, percent weight, BMI, and waist and hip circumferences in the intervention vs. control group. Completers at 1 year exhibited change in weight of -7.3 (10.4) kg for the intervention group (n=32) vs. -0.7 (5.6) kg for controls (n=33) (p<0.01), and -7.8% (11.1%) weight change for the intervention group vs. -0.7% (6.2%) for controls (p<0.01). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration increased significantly in the intervention group. Fasting serum insulin decreased in the intervention but increased in the control group at 6 months (p<0.01), remaining different at 1 year (p=0.05). The commercial program successfully facilitated weight loss, which was notably maintained at 1 year, and promoted favorable changes in plasma lipid and hormone concentrations.

Preventing weight gain: a population cohort study of the nature and effectiveness of mid-age women's weight control practices

To examine women's weight control practices and their effectiveness in preventing weight gain. Retrospective cohort study of weight control practices and 2-year weight change among mid-age women participating in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH). 11,589 Australian women (aged 47-52 years). The prevalence and types of self-reported weight control practices used were assessed by a nine-item instrument. Two-year weight change was self-reported and adjusted for baseline body mass index (BMI) and other potential confounders. Seventy-four per cent of the cohort (N=8556) reported actively trying to control their weight. Dietary modification was used more frequently than exercise. Two-thirds of the weight-controlling women used a combination of practices, the two most common being 'decreased food quantity, cut down on fats/sugars and exercise' (32%, baseline BMI 25.87(0.10)), and 'decreased food quantity and cut down on fats/sugars without exercise' (15.6%, baseline BMI 27.04(0.14)). Potentially health-damaging practices (smoking, laxatives, fasting) were relatively uncommon, at 7.9%. Only one combination of practices (decreased food quantity, cut down on fats/sugars, use of a commercial weight loss programme and exercise) prevented mean weight gain (-0.03 kg), whereas the mean (s.d.) weight of the cohort increased (+1.19(4.78)) over the 2-year period. The majority of mid-age women attempting weight control used practices consistent with public health messages. Despite their efforts, the group was mostly unsuccessful in preventing weight gain. Public health authorities and health practitioners may need to make more quantitative recommendations and emphasize the importance of balancing physical activity with dietary intake to achieve successful weight control for women at this life stage.

Erratum: Retention rates and weight loss in a commercial weight loss program

Correction to: International Journal of Obesity 2007; 31, 292–298. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0803395 In the above publication the authors have noticed they have not stated they have a conflict of interest. This sentence is shown here. Conflict of Interest FL Greenway, BJ Rolls, and SN Blair are current members of the Jenny Craig Medical Advisory Board.

Planning to lose weight: Randomized controlled trial of an implementation intention prompt to enhance weight reduction among overweight and obese women.

The trial investigates the effects of augmenting an established weight-reduction intervention with implementation intention prompts. Fifty-five overweight or obese women (ages 18 to 76 years; body mass index from 25.28 to 48.33) enrolled in a commercial weight reduction program were randomly assigned to either an implementation intention prompt or a control condition. Data were collected twice, with a time gap of 2 months. The primary outcome was participants' change in weight and body mass index from preintervention to follow-up. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant Time = Condition interaction: On average, implementation intention prompt participants lost 4.2 kg (95% confidence interval = 3.19, 5.07), whereas control participants lost 2.1 kg (95% confidence interval = 1.11, 3.09). The change in frequency of planning mediated the effects of the intervention on weight and body mass index change. Among obese or overweight women participating in a commercial weight loss program, those who learn to form implementation intentions can achieve greater weight reduction. Planning facilitation is a key mechanism explaining enhanced weight loss generated by implementation intention formation.

Weight Loss on the Web: A Pilot Study Comparing a Structured Behavioral Intervention to a Commercial Program

Internet weight loss programs have become widely available as alternatives to standard treatment, but few data are available on their efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a structured behavioral weight loss website (VTrim) vs. a commercial weight loss website (eDiets.com). A randomized, controlled trial was conducted from February 2003 to March 2005, in 124 overweight and obese subjects ages 18 years and older with a BMI of 25 to 39.9 kg/m2 (mean age, 47 +/- 9 years; BMI, 32 +/- 3 kg/m2; 20% men). Analyses were performed for the 88 subjects who had complete follow-up data. Participants were randomly assigned to 12-month VTrim (n = 62) or eDiets.com (n = 62) intervention. VTrim participants had access to a therapist-led structured behavioral weight loss program delivered on-line. eDiets.com subjects had access to a self-help commercial on-line weight loss program. Body weight, social support, and use of website components were measured at 0, 6, and 12 months. Repeated-measures analyses showed that the VTrim group lost significantly more weight than the eDiets.com group at 6 months (8.3 +/- 7.9 kg vs. 4.1 +/- 6.2 kg; p = 0.004) and maintained a greater loss at 12 months (7.8 +/- 7.5 kg vs. 3.4 +/- 5.8 kg; p = 0.002). More participants in the VTrim group maintained a 5% weight loss goal (65% vs. 37.5%; p = 0.01) at 12 months. An on-line, therapist-led structured behavioral weight loss website produced greater weight loss than a self-help commercial website. Because commercial sites have great potential public health impact, future research should investigate the feasibility of incorporating a more structured behavioral program into a commercial application.

How successful are commercial weight-loss programs?

How successful are commercial weight-loss programs?

Systematic review: an evaluation of major commercial weight loss programs in the United States

Systematic review: an evaluation of major commercial weight loss programs in the United States

Commercial weight loss or non-dieting diet?

In a nutshellThe little evidence we have suggests that commercial weight loss programs based on sound principles are as likely to work as any other science-based diet, which is to say not too well in the long run.Low-fat eating without energy restriction or weight goal may be just as effective. A diet program is most likely to succeed when it emphasises good food habits, regular exercise and enjoyment.

A Review of Weight Loss Programs Delivered Via the Internet

The escalating obesity epidemic has prompted healthcare professionals to seek interventions that can reach large numbers of individuals in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Internet, with its growing audience, seems an obvious solution. Commercial weight loss programs already abound on the Internet. The purpose of this review is to describe the efficacy of weight loss programs delivered via the Internet in the United States. A search for clinical trials evaluating weight loss via Internet programs was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Academic Search Premier, the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Database, and the Internet as well as a cross-check of reference lists. Eight published studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Data were extracted on study design, sample characteristics, attrition, weight loss, duration of treatment, and maintenance of weight loss. Of the 8 studies, 3 evaluated the Internet as a means to maintain long-term weight loss. All studies examining weight loss via Internet programs reported positive results, except for one investigating a commercial program. Results from the 3 weight loss maintenance programs conducted on the Internet were equivocal. Because the subjects of all these studies were predominately white, educated women, generalization of findings is limited. Data from the reviewed studies suggest that the Internet may be an alternative to traditional face-to-face weight loss programs. Questions still remain as to the efficacy of using the Internet for long-term weight loss maintenance. Findings from these studies provide beginning guidelines for healthcare providers who may choose to use Internet-based weight loss interventions. Future research is still needed to determine the applicability of such interventions in diverse age, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.

Retention rates and weight loss in a commercial weight loss program

To evaluate and describe retention rates and weight loss in clients participating in a commercial weight loss program. A total of 60 164 men and women ages 18-79 years who enrolled in the Jenny Craig Platinum program between May 2001 and May 2002. Retention rates, mean weight loss and percent weight loss were calculated on a weekly basis for the 52-week period following initial enrollment in the weight loss program. Clients were categorized based on final week of participation in the program (weeks 1-4, weeks 5-13, weeks 14-26, weeks 27-39 and weeks 40-52) and weight loss was calculated at final week. A subgroup of clients was identified based on attendance through 13, 26 and 52 weeks. Mean and percent weight loss was calculated for these subgroups of clients. Of the 60 164 men and women who enrolled in the weight loss program, 73% were retained in the program after 4 weeks, 42% at 13 weeks, 22% at 26 weeks and 6.6% at 52 weeks. Clients who dropped out of the program during the first 4 weeks lost 1.1+/-1.6% (mean+/-s.d.) of their initial body weight, whereas clients who dropped out between 40 and 52 weeks lost 12.0+/-7.2%. Clients in the 13-week, 26-week and 52-week cohorts lost 8.3+/-3.3, 12.6+/-5.1 and 15.6+/-7.5% of their initial body weight, respectively. Weight loss was greater among clients who were retained in the program longer. The findings from this study suggest that a commercial weight loss program can be an effective weight loss tool for individuals who remain active in the program.

Randomised controlled trial of four commercial weight loss programmes in the UK: initial findings from the BBC “diet trials”

Objective To compare the effectiveness of four commercial weight loss diets available to adults in the United Kingdom.Design Six month multicentre randomised unblinded controlled trial.Setting Community based sample of otherwise...

Comparison of a Commercial Weight Loss Program to Joining a Fitness Center

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of a popular commercial weight loss program (CW) to joining a fitness center (FC) for weight loss and improving body composition. A secondary purpose was to investigate changes in blood chemistry and blood pressure. METHODS: Forty-three overweight (BMI ≥ 25) and sedentary women received a 12 week membership to either CW or FC. Subjects in CW were instructed to follow the dietary and exercise recommendations of the program, which generally included weekly weigh-ins, counseling sessions, and a point counting system to monitor calories. Subjects assigned to FC were instructed to follow the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for weight loss which included both aerobic and anaerobic exercise a minimum of three times weekly. Outcomes included body weight (BW), body fat percentage (%BF) measured via skinfolds and the BOD POD, intraabdominal fat (IAF) and subcutaneous abdominal fat (SAF) measured via computed tomography, total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol with subfractions, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). resULts: BW decreased significantly for CW (P <0.001) but not for FC (P = 0.055), while %BF did not change significantly for either group. SAF was significantly decreased only in the CW group. Both groups lost a significant amount of IAF and TC, SBP, and DBP decreased significantly in both groups with no between group differences. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose was to compare the real-world differences, especially changes in body composition, between joining a fitness center to joining a popular commercial weight loss program. Exercise performed in a laboratory and controlled setting typically improves body composition. The majority of exercise sessions in this study were purposely performed without supervision to mimic the real-world. Thus, the intensity and duration of exercise were ultimately subject controlled. This is a likely reason for the lack of change is %BF observed with FC. Although CW significantly reduced BW and SAF, %BF was not improved, suggesting a percentage of BW lost was in the form of lean tissue. In the long term this might be detrimental to weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Nevertheless, it appears from this research, in the short term it may be easier to comply with the recommendations of this particular commercial weight loss program and lose BW compared to joining a fitness center.

Weight management for the obese patient in primary care: is a commercially available weight loss programme the answer?

AbstractObesity affects both physical health and psychological well‐being and is one of the biggest obstacles to the management of type 2 diabetes. Commercial weight loss programmes have been shown to be better than standard management, and in some areas in the UK general practitioners are now enlisting commercial slimming organisations to help patients lose weight. One such approach is called ‘Slimming on Referral’, which has reported some short‐term success to date without the robust methodology of a longitudinal randomised controlled trial to support these findings. Results from this study are in line with a substantial body of previous research which indicates that interventions for obesity demonstrate moderate success in promoting short‐term weight loss. There is, however, almost no evidence that the vast majority of people can maintain clinically significant weight loss over the long term and virtually everyone returns to their baseline weight. Furthermore, research suggests that weight fluctuation may have profound effects on psychological and physical health. The present paper highlights the need to reappraise the management of obesity in type 2 diabetes in the light of these research findings, and suggests an approach to treatment which would help patients to limit the associated physical and psychological costs and importantly ensure that the treatment itself does not compound their difficulties. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Dieting during maintenance after successful completion of a commercial weight loss program

In some randomized controlled trials of weight-loss interventions, results have been adjusted for weight-loss episodes reported between program termination and follow-up. This study examined a sample of people who successfully completed the Weight Watchers® program (weight loss of 9.5 ± 5.7 kg) for relationships between weight-loss efforts during maintenance and long-term outcome. Participants (n=202) were assessed 1, 2, or 5 years post-completion, reported at least 3 months of weight stability during maintenance, and completed the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). The sample was subdivided into two groups based on whether they reported at least 1 attempt to lose 5 pounds during maintenance. Those who attempted weight loss (65.3% of the sample) regained significantly more weight (M = 5.2 kg, SD = 5.1) than those (34.3% of the sample) who reported no attempt at weight loss (M =1.2 kg, SD = 4.9; F (1, 196) = 10.0, p = .002). Those who attempted weight loss during maintenance scored significantly higher on the Disinhibition (F (196) = 8.41 p = .004) and Rigid Restraint scales (F (198) = 5.45. p = .021) on the TFEQ; each effect remained significant when controlling for the other. Though weight loss during maintenance could reflect desirable self-regulation, the results indicate that it is a negative prognostic indicator of weight regain. Discussion will focus on possible causal relationships between disinhibited eating, rigid dieting, weight loss dieting and weight regain. Funding provided by Weight Watchers International Inc.

Systematic Review: An Evaluation of Major Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the United States

Systematic Review: An Evaluation of Major Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the United States

How Do Commercial Weight-Loss Diets Compare?

As the prevalence of obesity has increased, so has the popularity of commercial weight-loss programs; however, comparative efficacy data are limited. In this 6-month randomized trial, British investigators compared four weight-loss diets — Atkins, Weight Watchers, Slim-Fast, and Rosemary Conley — and a control diet in 300 people …

Review: Little evidence supports the efficacy of major commercial and organized self-help weight loss programs

Source Citation Tsai AG, Wadden TA. Systematic review: an evaluation of major commercial weight loss programs in the United States. Ann Intern Med. 2005;142:56-66. 15630109

Severe Obesity: A Growing Health Concern A.S.P.E.N. Should Not Ignore

The definition of malnutrition in the published standards of the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) is any derangement in the normal nutrition status and includes overnutrition, commonly referred to as obesity. The incidence of obesity is increasing and reaching epidemic proportions in the United States and even worldwide. This has significant financial impact as our society spends billions of dollars on fad diets, commercial weight-loss programs, nutrition and dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and health clubs. Another approximately dollars 100 billion are spent to treat the medical consequences of obesity. Currently, for those patients with intractable morbid obesity, defined as having a body mass index >40 kg/m2, surgery offers the only option for achieving meaningful and sustainable weight loss. The resultant weight loss dramatically improves health and decreases the cost of health care for these patients. Years of refinement in technology and the introduction of safer and less invasive procedures have dramatically reduced the short-term morbidities and long-term metabolic consequences of these procedures. This address will review the field of weight loss (bariatric) surgery and will offer a compelling request for A.S.P.E.N. to include obesity in its fabric.

Review: little evidence supports the efficacy of major commercial and organised self help weight loss programmes

Tsai AG, Wadden TA. Systematic review: an evaluation of major commercial weight loss programs in the United States. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:56–66.[OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Q What is the efficacy of...

Commercial Weight Loss Programs

Commercial Weight Loss Programs