title: Outcomes of a specialist weight management programme in the UK National Health Service: prospective study of 1838 patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of weight management programmes provided within routine healthcare and inconsistent use of outcome measures. Our aim was to evaluate a large National Health Service (NHS) weight management service and report absolute and proportional weight losses over 12 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service (GCWMS), which provides care for residents of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area (population 1.2 million).
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients who began GCWMS between 1 October 2008 and 30 September 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  Structured educational lifestyle programme employing cognitive behavioural therapy, 600 kcal deficit diet, physical activity advice, lower calorie diet and pharmacotherapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Baseline observation carried forward (BOCF), last observation carried forward (LOCF) and changes in programme completers reported using outcomes of absolute 5 kg and 5% weight losses and mean weight changes at a variety of time points.
  
  
  RESULTS
  6505 referrals were made to GCWMS, 5637 were eligible, 3460 opted in and 1916 (34%) attended a first session. 78 patients were excluded from our analysis on 1838 patients. 72.9% of patients were women, mean age of all patients at baseline was 49.1 years, 43.3% lived in highly socioeconomically deprived areas and mean weights and body mass indices at baseline were 118.1 kg and 43.3 kg/m(2), respectively. 26% lost ≥5 kg by the end of phase 1, 30% by the end of phase 2 and 28% by the end of phase 3 (all LOCF). Weight loss was more successful among men, particularly those ≤29 years old.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Routine NHS weight management services may achieve moderate weight losses through a comprehensive evidence-based dietary, activity and behavioural approach including psychological care. Weight losses should be reported using a range of outcome measures so that the effectiveness of different services can be compared.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Logue
authors.forename: Gwen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Allardice
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gillies
authors.forename: Lorna
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forde
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Morrison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013038:Specialization; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: obesity; weight loss; weight reduction programs