Adherence

High-intensity behavioral counseling delivered by trained interventionists (in person or via telephone) produces clinically meaningful weight loss (mean 5-6.6 kg at 6 months) in primary care settings, whereas counseling by primary care practitioners alone yields negligible loss (0.6-1.7 kg).

If you are obese and seeking weight loss in primary care, ask for a referral to a high-intensity behavioral program delivered by a trained specialist (like a dietitian or health coach) rather than relying solely on your doctor's brief advice. Look for programs that include a calorie deficit of 500 kcal/day, 150 minutes of weekly exercise, and regular check-ins (ideally 14 sessions over 6 months). This approach has been shown to produce significant, clinically meaningful weight loss (5-6 kg) compared to standard care.