Diabetes and Weight-Loss Results Found Modest with Intensive Lifestyle Intervention

An intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with more weight loss and remission of diabetes than one based on education and support, according to a study in JAMA.

Some 4500 adults with BMIs of 25 or more and type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of two 4-year regimens: intensive lifestyle intervention (including frequent group counseling and liquid meal replacements) or the control intervention.

The intensive lifestyle intervention group lost a greater percentage of weight by year 1 (net difference, -7.9%) and year 4 (-3.9%). Partial or complete remission of diabetes (defined as the transition to prediabetic or nondiabetic glucose levels) was also more prevalent in the intervention group in year 1 (11.5% vs. 2.0%) and year 4 (7.3% vs. 2.0%).

Editorialists call the results "disappointing" and point to the success (and potential disadvantages) of bariatric surgery. Prevention, they conclude, should be the rallying cry.