According to a study published in BMJ, Nov 2011, commercial weight loss programs such as Weight Watchers are not only cheaper in the long run but are also more effective than noncommercial programs, such as general practice one-to-one counseling, pharmacy one-to-one counseling and grouped-based dietetics program. It is speculated that these programs are more effective because they provide intensive support and incentives, which sustain motivation and behavioral change.
COMMENT: These results are similar to other studies in which commercial weight loss programs, including Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig, were superior and cheaper than weight-loss advice and diet medications. In fact, many doctors have concluded that it would be less expensive for insurance to pay for such programs instead of medical care for weight loss.
Posted on
Sat, February 11, 2012
by Larry Altshuler, M.D.
filed under