Industry-sponsored weight loss programs: description, cost, and effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
To describe three commercial weight loss programs (Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, and Weight Watchers), including efficacy data when available, and to provide clinicians with information for patient counseling.


METHODS
Personal interviews, journal articles, and Web site information.


CONCLUSIONS
Commercial weight loss programs provide weight loss services. Benefits are experience, planned menus, and psychological support. Limitations are cost, sales promotions that encourage on-the-spot commitment to prepaid contracts, and the cost of program food and additional vitamins.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss is a necessary goal for many patients. Clinicians are mandated to provide counseling regarding weight loss.
Witherspoon
Barbara
B
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pennsylvania, USA. bbwitherspoon@adelphia.net
Rosenzweig
Margaret
M
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003376:Counseling / Q000458:organization & administration; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D019981:Health Care Sector / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008612:Menu Planning; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012944:Social Support; D013660:Taxes; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss