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Commercially available weight-loss programs are popular, but their efficacy is unclear. Researchers systematically reviewed evidence for the efficacy of these programs by reviewing commercial websites, having discussions with company representatives, and searching Medline for randomized trials of 12 weeks or longer and case series of 1 year or longer. The analysis focused on several commercial programs and two nonprofit, organized self-help programs. One author received funding from a proprietary very-low-calorie diet program.
In 2- to 4-year case series, proprietary very-low-calorie diets (OPTIFAST, Health Management Resources) led to 5%-15% weight reductions. In the only trials of commercial nonmedical weight-loss programs (counseling and …