Behavioral Programs Within Primary Care Yield Statistically Significant but Modest Weight Loss

Primary care practitioners often advise behavior changes for patients who are overweight or obese. Referral by primary care practitioners to behavioral weight-management programs is associated with substantial weight loss, but the effectiveness of behavioral weight-loss interventions delivered within primary care is unclear.

Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 34 trials in which patients or practices (>9000 adult patients) were randomized to behavioral weight-management interventions delivered within primary care or to similar behavioral programs focused on other goals (or to usual care). Interventions ranged from one session to multiple sessions during as long as 3 years; follow-up ranged from 12 months to 3 years. Interventions were d…