Research
Adherence
Weight management interventions delivered by non-medical practitioners (e.g., health coaches) are as effective as those delivered by general practitioners (GPs) or nurses.
You don't need to see a doctor for every weight management visit. Programs led by health coaches or nurses, especially when supervised by a doctor, are just as effective. Focus on finding a program with good support and regular contact.
GoodQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Some evidence suggests that weight loss after weight management interventions delivered by non-medical practitioners in primary care (often endorsed and supervised by doctors) is similar to that delivered by clinician led programmes
Why this rating
Based on subgroup analysis of RCTs, with some heterogeneity in how 'non-medical' was defined.
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
Meta-analysis · 34 studiesCited 105×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →