Adherence
Virtual Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs) utilizing a lifestyle medicine curriculum (food as medicine, behavioral change, stress management) are an effective implementation model for weight management in obese populations, with program optimization (specifically session timing and structure) significantly improving patient attendance and sustainability.
If you are struggling to lose weight, look for a program that offers group-based lifestyle education (often called Shared Medical Appointments or SMA) delivered virtually. Ensure the program covers nutrition, behavioral strategies (like CBT), and stress management. Crucially, choose a program that offers midday sessions (10 AM - 3 PM) rather than early morning or late evening, as data suggests these times have significantly higher attendance and likely better peer support dynamics. The program should be intensive (e.g., 12 weekly sessions) and include professional guidance from a physician and health coach.
The use of implementation and quality improvement models provided crucial insight for deployment and optimization of a virtual, lifestyle medicine focused SMA program for weight management within a large healthcare system.
Why this rating
The study is an implementation science paper with observational data on attendance and qualitative feedback, lacking a randomized control group or primary clinical outcome data (weight loss metrics) in the results section.
Source
Implementation of a virtual, shared medical appointment program that focuses on food as medicine principles in a population with obesity: the SLIM program
Kyleigh Kirbach et al. · Frontiers in Nutrition · 2024
DOI 10.3389/fnut.2024.1338727
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