Study Examines Optimal Weight Loss Intervention Duration
Referral to a 52-week open-group behavioral weight-loss program is associated with greater weight loss and other clinical benefits than the current practice of 12-week program referrals, according to the results of a recent study.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK recommend that weight loss programs should be a minimum of 12 weeks in duration, the standard length of most commissioned interventions. However, little evidence exists on the optimal intervention duration.
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Researchers conducted a non-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involving 1267 participants aged 18 years and older with BMI of 28 kg/m2 or higher from 23 practices in England. The participants were randomly assigned to brief advice and self-help materials, a 12-week weight-management program, and a 52 week weight-management program. The primary outcome was weight at 1 year.
Overall, 823 participants completed an assessment at 1 year and 856 completed an assessment at 2 years. Mean weight changes among the groups were -3.26 kg in the brief intervention group, -4.75 kg in the 12-week program group, and -6.76 kg in the 52-week program group. Differences among the groups were still significant at 2 years.
Participants in the 52-week program had the greatest reductions in waist circumference and fat mass, as well as HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose concentrations.
“This trial shows that referral to this commercial open-group behavioural weight-loss programme increases weight loss relative to a brief intervention in primary care. Increasing the duration of the programme from 12 weeks to 52 weeks increases weight loss and improvements in other markers of diabetes and cardiovascular risk, most notably HBA1c and fasting glucose concentration.”
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Ahern AL, Wheeler GM, Aveyard P, et al. Extended and standard duration weight-loss programme referrals for adults in primary care (WRAP): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2017;389:10085:2214-2225.