MONDAY, Oct. 11 (HealthDay News) -- Physical activity and structured weight loss programs appear to be associated with significant weight loss among overweight and obese individuals, according to two studies published online Oct. 9 in JAMA to coincide with presentation at the 28th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Obesity Society, held Oct. 8-12 in San Diego.
In one study, Bret H. Goodpaster, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, and colleagues randomized 130 participants to diet and physical activity for 12 months or to an identical dietary intervention but with physical activity delayed for six months. The researchers found that both interventions were associated with significant weight loss and beneficial changes in cardiometabolic risk factors.
In another study, Cheryl L. Rock, Ph.D., R.D., of the University of California, San Diego, and Moores UCSD Cancer Center in La Jolla, Calif., and colleagues randomized 442 overweight and obese women, aged 18 to 69 years, to a free prepared meal and incentivized structured weight loss program in one of two intervention groups (center-based or telephone-based) or usual care. The researchers found that the center-based weight loss program resulted in a mean weight loss at two years of 7.4 kg, with the telephone-based group and the usual care control group resulting in a weight loss of 6.2 kg and 2.0 kg, respectively.
"In conclusion, the results of the trial reported by Rock et al probably represent a best-case scenario. Given the potential of commercial weight loss programs to reach large numbers of overweight or obese individuals, it is time to directly compare the outcomes achieved in a variety of different commercial weight loss programs and to examine whether providing these programs free of charge to participants would be a cost-effective approach," the author of an accompanying editorial writes.
One author of the first study reported ties to Free and Clear, Proctor and Gamble Inc., and BodyMedia Inc. The second study was funded by Jenny Craig, with one author serving on the advisory board of the company between 2003 and 2004.
Abstract - Goodpaster
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Abstract - Rock
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Editorial 1(subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial 2(subscription or payment may be required)