Feasibility and benefits of implementing a Slimming on Referral service in primary care using a commercial weight management partner.
OBJECTIVE
To assess participation in a costed Slimming on Referral service and identify factors associated with success.


METHODS
Simple intervention offering participation in a new service to 100 eligible patients. The setting was two Derby general practices, one inner city and one suburban.


METHODS
One hundred and seven patients (mean age 50 years) attending general practice for non-obesity reasons.


METHODS
BMI > or = 30, age > or = 18 years, not pregnant, no recent commercial weight management group membership, willingness to attempt weight loss.


METHODS
Patients were offered free attendance at a local Slimming World group for 12 consecutive weeks. Body weight and height were measured at baseline, and questionnaires established perceived health, motivation to lose weight, employment, concerns, responsibilities and well-being. Weight was measured at each group visit. The main outcome measures were: (1) changes in body weight at 12 and 24 weeks, (2) social and demographic factors associated with barriers to enrolment, continued attendance and successful weight loss.


RESULTS
Ninety-one (85%) patients attended a group, with 62 completing 12 weeks. Average weight loss in participants was 5.4 kg (6.4% baseline weight). Forty-seven then chose to self-fund, with 34 (37% original group) completing a further 12 weeks. Average weight loss over the total 24 weeks was 11.1 kg (11.3% baseline weight). Regular attendance was affected by income, financial concerns (independent of actual income), age, perceived importance of weight loss and initial weight loss success. Well-being of patients significantly improved between baseline and both 12 and 24 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Collaboration with an appropriate commercial weight management organization offers a feasible weight management option that is either similar to, or better than, other options in terms of attrition, efficacy and cost.
Lavin
J H
JH
Slimming World, Clover Nook Road, Somercotes, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 4RF, UK. jacquie.lavin@slimming-world.com
Avery
A
A
Whitehead
S M
SM
Rees
E
E
Parsons
J
J
Bagnall
T
T
Barth
J H
JH
Ruxton
C H S
CH
D000368:Aged; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011331:Private Practice; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019036:Suburban Health Services; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019037:Urban Health Services; D015431:Weight Loss