Evaluation of attendance and weight loss in an intensive weight management clinic compared to standard dietetic care.

BACKGROUND

With increasing rates of obesity, the effectiveness of weight reduction programmes come under increasing scrutiny. This nonrandomized study aimed to review the effectiveness of two weight loss clinics in terms of percent and rate of weight loss, and attendance.

METHODS

Data were collected on consecutive obese patients, attending either an intensive weight management clinic (IWMC) or a general dietetic outpatient clinic. The IWMC had a structured approach with six once-a-month appointments, a signed agreement to attend, an initial screening of readiness to change and consistent advice from one dietitian. The general clinic was less structured, had more ad hoc follow up and did not guarantee one dietitian.

RESULTS

Seventy percent of patients referred were female [mean (SD) age 48 (14.2) years]. Thirty-three percent (103/313) of all patients referred did not book an appointment. Of those attending with a body mass index > or = 32 kg m(-2), 55% were seen in the general and 45% in the intensive clinic, but only 19% and 53%, respectively, completed the programmes. The total amount and rate of weight loss did not differ significantly between clinics. However, analysis using the last recorded weight revealed a median weight reduction of 1.8% (interquartile range = -5.6-0) at the median rate of -0.4 kg month(-1) (-1-0) in the intensive clinic, compared to no overall weight loss in the general clinic (P < or = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A more structured approach and initial screening of readiness to change is likely to achieve better weight loss results and therefore will comprise a better use of dietetic time than including obese patients in general clinics.