Adherence
The Behavioral Change Technique 'Instruction on how to perform behaviour' is associated with weight GAIN (mean weight change +2.53 kg) rather than loss, suggesting it may be counterproductive in brief, opportunistic primary care advice.
Avoid using 'Instruction on how to perform behaviour' (like handing out leaflets or directing to websites) as a primary strategy in brief weight loss advice. This study found it was associated with weight gain, likely because it is used as a 'simple way to intervene' with patients who are less ready to change. Instead, focus on motivational feedback and follow-up.
people who received a brief intervention that involved ‘instruction on how to perform behaviour’ gained more weight on average (adjusted mean weight change) was 2.53 kg (95% CI = 0.10–4.96, p = 0.04)
Why this rating
Statistically significant association with weight gain in a randomized trial.
Source
GP delivered brief weight loss advice: associations between in-consultation behaviour change techniques and patient weight loss in recorded primary care discussions
Eleanor Ayre et al. · Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine · 2023
DOI 10.1080/21642850.2023.2213751
More from this paper
- Brief GP-delivered weight loss advice (approx. 86 seconds) results in a statistically significant mean weight loss of 1.04 kg at 12 months compared to a baseline population average of ~300g, demonstrating that the intervention itself, rather than specific behavioral change techniques (BCTs), drives the outcome.Good
- The use of the Behavioral Change Technique 'Feedback on outcomes of behaviour (future)' significantly increases the likelihood of patients taking action to lose weight by 12 months (OR=6.10), although it does not directly correlate with greater mean weight loss.Good
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
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 →