The problem is clear: 1 in 3 Americans are classified as obese. In theory the solution is simple - eat less and exercise more. But in practice it’s extremely difficult to lose weight and keep it off with lifestyle changes. Even weight-loss drugs tend to have fairly modest benefits.
Some doctors think the environment we live in plays a part in making it so difficult to maintain a healthy weight. If energy-dense foods and sugary drinks are inexpensive and easily available, it’s hardly surprising that we consume them more than we should.
Getting group support seems to be one way of making it easier to stick to a diet and exercise plan. Research looking at 250 Australia women found that just four group sessions over a year, plus telephone reminders, helped them avoid putting on weight. The women - who all had young children - lost an average of 0.4 pounds over the year if they took part in group sessions. Women who didn't take part put on an average of 1.8 pounds.
The advice given to participants was simple: eat two servings of fruit each day, and five servings of vegetables; avoid high-fat fast food and convenience food; drink water in place of sweet drinks; snack on fruit and vegetables instead of cookies and chips; eat breakfast every day; and aim to do 30-40 minutes of brisk walking every day. We all know these things, more or less, so presumably it was the support that women received that helped them follow this advice.
The results of the Australian trial are borne out of a Weight Watchers program trial, which uses meetings and a calorie-controlled diet to help people lose weight. The research, presented at a conference, looked at 772 people (mostly women) in the UK, Australia, and Germany. Half were given vouchers for a 12-month Weight Watchers program. The average weight loss of people taking part was 8.9 pounds, compared with 3.5 pounds for people who got standard care from a family doctor.
The message seems to be that, when it comes to sticking with a diet, it’s easy to slip back into old habits if you don’t get help. Getting group support might help with motivation and make it easier to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Interestingly, though, when researchers were planning the Australian study, only 1 in 10 women invited to join actually did. It seems that weight-control programs only attract the most motivated people. And the Weight Watchers study attracted very few men. So, for many, just joining a weight-loss group may be the stumbling block.
What you need to know. If you plan on losing some weight, you could ask your doctor if there are any weight-loss support groups in your area. Or, you could sign up with a commercial organization like Weight Watchers. Getting support seems to aid weight loss more than doing it on your own.
—Philip Wilson, patient editor, BMJ Group
ConsumerReportsHealth.org has partnered with The BMJ Group to monitor the latest medical research and assess the evidence to help you decide which news you should use.
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