Author/ Date

Sample

Method, conditions and outcome measures

Intervention

Findings

Effect

Quality score

Ahern, Olson, Aston, and Jebb (2011)

NHS referral Scheme n = 29,326 (female = 26,252), median age 49 years, median BMI = 35.1%

Observational data retrospectively analysed. Twelve WW sessions. Weight (kg)

Twelve sessions of WW at a cost of £45 per participant to the NHS.

Median weight change for all referrals was −2.8 kg. Those on first referral lost more losing median of −5.4 kg (5.6% of initial weight). A third lost > 5% of initial body weight.

N/A

Weak

Carroll, Marshall, Borkoles, Ingle, Barker and Tan (2007)

Premenopausal females, n = 13 (females = 13), mean age 40.9 years, mean BMI = 39.2

RCT lifestyle intervention (n = 6), control (n = 7)

BMI, body fat, VO₂, BP, HR, RER

Lifestyle intervention, based on self determination theory targeting PA and eating behaviour. Advised to do four hours self-chosen exercise and two structured exercise session per week, 30 minutes walking per day. Three months followed my nine months maintenance.

No significant reduction in body weight or any other characteristics (BP, HR, RER), between the control and intervention.

N/A

Weak

Counter Weight Project Team (2004)

GP practice n = 80, UK 62 practices included and 18 acted as control. Patients recruited n = 1256 mean age 50.6 years, mean BMI 36.9

Cohort analytical.

GP practice staff retrained. Success of practice monitored via patient recruitment and weight change.

Practice up skilling and retraining to deliver interventions that include self-monitoring, stimulus control, eating behaviour, cognitive restructuring, nutrition education, and relapse management.

93.5% of practices successfully trained, 75.8% actively recruiting.

91% of patients received intervention. 33% showing clinically beneficial weight loss at 12 months, mean reduction 3.2 kg. Reductions seen 3 month −3.7 kg (n = 599), at 6 months—4.3 kg (n = 388) at 12 months −3.2 kg (n = 282).

N/A

Weak

Counter Weight Project Team (2005)

GP practice n = 80, UK. 62 practices included and 18 acted as control Patients recruited n = 1549 mean age 49 years, mean BMI 36.9

Cohort GP practice staff retrained. Success of practice monitored via patient recruitment and weight change.

Practice up skilling and retraining to deliver interventions that include self-monitoring, stimulus control, eating behaviour, cognitive restructuring, nutrition education, and relapse management.

49% classed as completers, attending required appoints at 3, 6, and 12 months. A third of these achieved a weight loss of 5% or more at 12 months. Reductions seen 3 month −3.3 kg (n = 728), at 6 months—4.2 kg (n = 492) at 12 months −3.2 kg (n = 445).

N/A

Weak

Counter Weight Project Team (2008)

GP practice n = 65.

Patients recruited n = 1906 (females = 1468, 77%) mean age 49.4 years, mean BMI 37.1.

Cohort GP practice staff retrained. Success of practice monitored via patient recruitment and weight change

Practice up skilling and retraining to deliver interventions that include self-monitoring, stimulus control, eating behaviour, cognitive restructuring, nutrition education, physical activity guidelines and relapse management.

At 12 months 30.7% of attendees lost 5% of more of their body weight. Females lost average of 2.8 kg, males lost 3.4 kg. At 24 months average weight loss was −2.3 kg, (n = 357) 31.9% of 24 month attendees lost 5% or more of total body weight. Reductions seen 3 month −3.34 kg (n = 775) mean BMI change −1.22, at 6 months—4.24 kg (n = 548) mean BMI change −1.55 at 12 months −2.96 kg (n = 642) mean BMI change −1.08.

BMI 3 months = 0.20

Moderate

BMI 6 months  = 0.26

BMI 12 months  = 0.18