Adherence
Behaviorally based weight-loss interventions result in statistically significant weight loss (average 3.0 kg or 6.6 lb greater than control) at 12 to 18 months, with greater intervention intensity (12-26 sessions) yielding greater loss (4-7 kg).
To lose weight using behavioral methods, you need to commit to a structured program with frequent contact (12-26 sessions in the first year). Expect to lose about 4-7 kg (9-15 lbs) if you attend these sessions, which is significantly more than doing nothing. Less intensive programs (<12 sessions) result in much smaller losses (1.5-4 kg).
In 21 trials that could be combined by meta-analysis, patients receiving behavioral interventions lost 3.0 kg (6.6 lb) more (95% CI, -4.0 to -2.0 kg) than controls after 12 to 18 months... Patients receiving 12 to 26 intervention sessions generally lost 4 to 7 kg (8.8 to 15.4 lb)... compared with 1.5 to 4 kg (3.3 to 8.8 lb)... in intervention groups with fewer than 12 sessions in the first year.
Why this rating
Based on 21 randomized controlled trials with high statistical heterogeneity (I2 > 95%) but consistent direction of effect.
Source
Effectiveness of Primary Care–Relevant Treatments for Obesity in Adults: A Systematic Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Erin S. LeBlanc et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2011
DOI 10.7326/0003-4819-155-7-201110040-00006
More from this paper
- Behavioral interventions, orlistat, and metformin all reduce diabetes incidence in patients with prediabetes or elevated risk, with behavioral interventions cutting incidence by about 50% or more over 2-3 years.Good
- Orlistat combined with behavioral intervention results in greater weight loss (average 3.0 kg or 6.6 lb more) than placebo plus behavioral intervention at 12 months, though with higher rates of gastrointestinal adverse effects leading to withdrawal.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- 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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