Menu
04/11/2011
Weight Watchers Diet Proves Better Than NHS
Commercial weight management programmes are more successful and cost less than those offered by primary care facilities such as GP surgeries and pharmacies, according to research from the University of Birmingham.
The Lighten Up study led by Dr Kate Jolly, senior lecturer in Public Health and Epidemiology in the School of Health and Population Sciences, assessed the effectiveness of a variety of weight management programmes, including commercial regimes, primary care services and a control group. Outcomes were assessed at three and 12 months.
Funded by NHS South Birmingham the randomised controlled trial took place between January and May 2009 and involved 740 patients aged 18 and over who were registered with general practices in South Birmingham and who had a raised body mass index recorded within the last 15 months.
All of the programmes achieved weight reduction after 12 weeks but at 12 months significant weight loss was seen in all of the groups aside from the one-to-one general practice and pharmacy programmes. The Weight Watchers group was the only one to demonstrate greater weight loss than the control. The primary care programmes were also the most costly to provide.
Researchers reported: "Our study shows that 12-week weight management courses are effective in producing clinically significant weight loss in a proportion of their clients. Almost one third of people allocated to the Weight Watchers group achieved a clinically important five per cent reduction in body weight at one-year follow-up. This level of weight loss has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to diabetes."
Dr Jolly said: "GPs should consider referring patients to commercial slimming groups rather than providing support in the practice."
(CD)
The Lighten Up study led by Dr Kate Jolly, senior lecturer in Public Health and Epidemiology in the School of Health and Population Sciences, assessed the effectiveness of a variety of weight management programmes, including commercial regimes, primary care services and a control group. Outcomes were assessed at three and 12 months.
Funded by NHS South Birmingham the randomised controlled trial took place between January and May 2009 and involved 740 patients aged 18 and over who were registered with general practices in South Birmingham and who had a raised body mass index recorded within the last 15 months.
All of the programmes achieved weight reduction after 12 weeks but at 12 months significant weight loss was seen in all of the groups aside from the one-to-one general practice and pharmacy programmes. The Weight Watchers group was the only one to demonstrate greater weight loss than the control. The primary care programmes were also the most costly to provide.
Researchers reported: "Our study shows that 12-week weight management courses are effective in producing clinically significant weight loss in a proportion of their clients. Almost one third of people allocated to the Weight Watchers group achieved a clinically important five per cent reduction in body weight at one-year follow-up. This level of weight loss has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to diabetes."
Dr Jolly said: "GPs should consider referring patients to commercial slimming groups rather than providing support in the practice."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 September 2011
WeightWatchers 'More Effective'
Overweight and obese adults referred to Weight Watchers, a community based provider of weight-loss services, lost more than twice as much weight when compared with those who received standard care, research has revealed.
WeightWatchers 'More Effective'
Overweight and obese adults referred to Weight Watchers, a community based provider of weight-loss services, lost more than twice as much weight when compared with those who received standard care, research has revealed.
28 July 2010
Pregnant Women's Obesity Levels Rising
The health of babies is being put at risk because obesity levels among pregnant women have reached 'epidemic' levels, health experts are warning.
Pregnant Women's Obesity Levels Rising
The health of babies is being put at risk because obesity levels among pregnant women have reached 'epidemic' levels, health experts are warning.
28 May 2014
Obesity Continues To Rise
Losing even a small amount of weight can help to improve the health of people who are overweight or obese and lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
Obesity Continues To Rise
Losing even a small amount of weight can help to improve the health of people who are overweight or obese and lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer, says the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
15 March 2006
Vegetarian diet 'keeps weight low'
Meat-eaters who switch to vegetarianism gain less weight than people who make no changes to their diet, a new study has suggested. Scientists from Cancer Research UK studied the eating habits of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans of all ages over five years and compared weight gains in all the categories.
Vegetarian diet 'keeps weight low'
Meat-eaters who switch to vegetarianism gain less weight than people who make no changes to their diet, a new study has suggested. Scientists from Cancer Research UK studied the eating habits of 22,000 meat eaters, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans of all ages over five years and compared weight gains in all the categories.
25 June 2008
Controversial Weight Loss Drug Available For NHS Use
Despite fears of an increased risk of depression and possible suicide as a 'side-effect', a controversial anti-obesity drug has been made available for NHS use.
Controversial Weight Loss Drug Available For NHS Use
Despite fears of an increased risk of depression and possible suicide as a 'side-effect', a controversial anti-obesity drug has been made available for NHS use.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
