Adherence
Behavioral weight management interventions delivered in primary care result in statistically significant weight loss (mean difference -2.3 kg) and waist circumference reduction (-2.5 cm) compared to no treatment or minimal intervention at 12 months.
If you have obesity, ask your primary care doctor about a behavioral weight management program. Look for programs that offer at least 12 contacts (visits or calls) over a year. These programs, delivered by nurses, health coaches, or GPs, have been proven to help adults lose an average of 2.3 kg and reduce waist size, which brings health benefits even if the number seems modest.
The mean difference between the intervention and comparator groups at 12 months was −2.3 kg (95% confidence interval −3.0 to −1.6 kg, I2=88%, P<0.001), favouring the intervention group.
Why this rating
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials with a large sample size (n=8000), though heterogeneity is high (I2=88%).
Source
Effectiveness of weight management interventions for adults delivered in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Claire Madigan et al. · BMJ · 2022
DOI 10.1136/bmj-2021-069719
More from this paper
- Interventions providing 12 or more contacts result in significantly greater weight loss than those providing fewer than 12 contacts.Good
- Weight management interventions delivered by non-medical practitioners (e.g., health coaches) are as effective as those delivered by general practitioners (GPs) or nurses.Good
Related findings · Adherence
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- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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