Commercial Weight Loss Program Research Articles

Body-Image Attitudes among Obese Enrollees in a Commercial Weight-Loss Program

Substantial research shows less favorable body-image experiences among overweight and obese persons relative to persons of average weight. The purpose of this investigation of body image was to compare 102 enrollees in a commercial, very-low-calorie diet program to 258 age- and weight-matched control subjects. Whereas enrollees were more strongly invested in their physical appearance, they held a more disparaging view of their looks. Relative to the control group, enrollees also felt less healthy, yet their evaluation of and investment in their physical fitness were more positive. Obese persons constitute a heterogeneous population, and those who seek rapid and extensive weight loss in commercial programs may have special body-image concerns and needs.

Evidence for success of caloric restriction in weight loss and control. Summary of data from industry.

Data voluntarily supplied by industry were examined to evaluate the success of commercial weight loss programs and products. Information about the safe loss of weight, the maintenance of this lowered weight, and resultant health benefits were reviewed. Information was received from companies that produce over-the-counter preparations designed for persons with a small weight loss goal and from physician-supervised programs for morbidity obese persons placed on very-low-calorie diets. Regardless of the products used, successful weight loss and control was limited and required individualized programs consisting of restricted caloric intake, behavior modification, and exercise. Although some manufacturers of physician-supervised weight loss products for obese persons hav defined the effectiveness of their programs with controlled clinical studies, other industry programs have only begun to accurately assess their effectiveness or safety. Given the importance to public health of reducing obesity, rigorous studies on current weight control practices should be pursued aggressively.

Long-term maintenance following attainment of goal weight: A preliminary investigation

The present study sought to determine whether the high relapse rates observed among subjects in fixed length behavioral-based weight loss programs would be lowered if subjects were allowed to continue in treatment until they had reached their desired weights. Five hundred seventeen (517) clients at a commercial weight-loss program were surveyed approximately 1 year posttreatment regarding their current weight status. Of the 267 subjects who responded to the mailed survey, it was found that 82% remained within 10% of their posttreatment weights at the time of the follow-up. Of particular interest was the fact that weight trends during the intervening year suggested subjects were actively and effectively calibrating their weight. It was concluded that the high relapse rates typical for this mode of treatment may be an artifact of premature treatment cessation and further investigation is indeed merited.

The cost of losing: an analysis of commercial weight-loss programs in a metropolitan area.

Thirty-four million adult Americans are obese (greater than 30% above ideal body weight). 1990 national Health Objectives state that 50% of all adults should adopt weight-loss and exercise regimes. This recommendation has caused a dramatic surge in the number and variety of weight-loss programs currently available. A parallel surge has occurred in the cost of these weight-loss programs. This wide variation in personal expenditure (and treatment provided) necessitates a review of the programs and their cost to the participant. The cost of a 12-week outpatient commercial weight-loss program can range from $2,120 for the most expensive very low-calorie diet program to $108 for the least expensive nutrient-balanced hypocaloric diet program. This article reviews 11 commercial diet programs in the Boston area and analyzes the out-of-pocket cost paid to the clinic by the participant to lose 1 kg on each program. Given the complexity of treatment to achieve long-term weight control, knowledge of financial obligations is important.

“Consult a Physician Before Starting Any Weight Loss...”

Interviews with physicians regarding their comfort and confidence in responding to patient's requests for weight control assistance prompted the authors to prepare this article. Implications of suggested guidelines for physician management of the overweight patient and the widespread access to over-the-counter diet aids and commercial weight loss systems and programs is discussed.

The weight loss profile: a biopsychosocial approach to weight loss.

Obesity is a common complicating condition in a variety of medical problems. Often effective consultation liaison involves recommendations to overweight patients involving lifestyle and health risk modification. Factors that need to be addressed include exercise, nutritional counseling/caloric restriction, and attitude and behavioral change regarding eating. Patients requiring weight loss typically seek various commercial programs that are readily accessible. One major problem associated with such programs is the high attrition rate within the first six weeks of initiation. Therefore, attempts to facilitate longer-term retention and associated weight loss are warranted. One approach is the identification of factors associated with problems in short-term retention and weight loss followed by the implementation of brief interventions to potentially reverse the influence of these factors on retention and weight loss. The present investigation was conducted to determine the effects of such a strategy on short-term retention and weight loss in a commercial weight loss program. Two groups (n = 66 per group) of female participants with a mean age of thirty-eight years, mean initial weight of 184.6 lbs, mean height of 64.3 inches, mean goal weight of 147.3 lbs, mean Body Mass Index of 31.4 kg/m2 were recruited for the study. Groups were matched for age, initial weight, height, goal weight, and body mass index. One group (controls) received a standard thirteen-week group cognitive-behavioral intervention that emphasized the teaching of self-management strategies for weight reduction. The second group (personalized intervention) received the same thirteen-week cognitive-behavioral intervention. This group also completed a questionnaire (Weight Loss Profile) that identifies factors associated with poor retention and minimal weight loss. Targeted interventions were implemented to modify specific problem areas identified on the Weight Loss Profile. The problem areas were based upon previous research which identified predictors of retention and weight loss. The problem areas included job stress, social comfort, self-consciousness regarding weight and eating behaviors, concern with physical appearance, Type A behavior pattern, social support, motivation, and expectation of success. Both groups also received 1,000 calorie/day prepackaged foods, instruction in mild exercise, and nutritional counseling. Weekly weights and attendance were recorded across the thirteen consecutive week period. The group receiving the personalized intervention lost significantly more weight than the control group (30 lbs vs. 11 lbs, respectively).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Following up on a commercial weight loss program: Do the pounds stay off after your picture has been in the newspaper?

Following up on a commercial weight loss program: Do the pounds stay off after your picture has been in the newspaper?

Thoughts about food and their: Relationship to obesity and weight control

Participants drawn from two separate populations completed an instrument designed to measure food-and-eating-related cognitions. Responses of both undergraduates and participants in a commercial weight-loss program supported the distinction between thoughts that are facilitative and problematic regarding weight-loss efforts. Among the undergraduate sample food-related thoughts were more predominant among heavier individuals. Weight loss among participants in the weight loss program was related to the prevalence of problematic (negative) cognitions. The results are discussed in terms of the assumptions underlying cognitive contributions to behavioral weight-loss programs.