Greater weight loss among men participating in a commercial weight loss program: a pooled analysis of 2 randomized controlled trials.
Being overweight and obese are significant health concerns for men and women, yet despite comparable needs for effective weight loss and maintenance strategies, little is known about the success of commercial weight loss programs in men. This study tests the hypothesis that men participating in a commercial weight loss program (Weight Watchers) had significantly greater weight loss than men receiving limited support from health professionals for weight loss (controls). A pooled analysis of weight loss and related physiologic parameter data from 2 randomized clinical trials was conducted. After 12 months, analysis of covariance tests showed that men in the commercial program group (n = 85) lost significantly more weight (P < .01) than men in the control group (n = 84); similar significant differences were observed for body mass index and waist circumference. These results suggest that participation in a commercial weight loss program may be a more effective means to lose weight and maintain weight loss.
Exponent, Inc, Center for Chemical Regulation & Food Safety, Washington, DC. Electronic address: lbarraj@exponent.com.
Leila M
LM
Barraj
Exponent, Inc, Center for Chemical Regulation & Food Safety, Washington, DC.
Mary M
MM
Murphy
New York Obesity Research Center, St Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center and Columbia University, New York, NY.
Stanley
S
Heshka
Yale University Prevention Research Center, Integrative Medicine Center, Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT.
David L
DL
Katz
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003132:Commerce; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs; D055815:Young Adult
ANOVA; Anthropometric; BMI; Body weight; DBP; LOCF; Men; Obesity; SBP; WW; Weight Watchers; analysis of variance; body mass index; diastolic blood pressure; last observation carried forward; systolic blood pressure