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Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the Management of Obesity: an Update

  • Obesity Treatment (D Bessesen, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Comprehensive lifestyle programs are cornerstones of obesity management, but clinician referrals may be limited by program availability. Commercial weight loss programs may be an alternative, but clinicians may be unaware of their efficacy and safety. This review describes the evidence for commercial programs, particularly 12-month weight loss, among individuals with obesity.

Recent Findings

Several programs are concordant with evidence-based recommendations (i.e., lower-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral strategies). Among the guideline-concordant programs, National Diabetes Prevention Program, WW, Jenny Craig, Medifast, and OPTIFAST have demonstrated 12-month weight loss efficacy and safety. While other programs show promise, more evidence is needed before clinician referral may be recommended.

Summary

Clinical practice guidelines support referrals to commercial weight loss programs that have peer-reviewed evidence to support their efficacy and safety. Clinicians should consider the available evidence, patient preference, and cost when considering referrals to these programs for weight management.

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Funding

This work received no direct funding support. ML is supported by a training grant from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (T32HL007180-44). KAG was supported from a grant from the National Institute for Mental Health (P50MH115842). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

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Correspondence to Marci Laudenslager.

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KAG is a paid consultant for Eli Lilly Inc.

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Laudenslager, M., Chaudhry, Z.W., Rajagopal, S. et al. Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the Management of Obesity: an Update. Curr Obes Rep 10, 90–99 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13679-021-00428-y

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