While more and more overweight/obese Americans are turning to weight loss drugs and surgery, studies show that lifestyle change programs are still very effective for even the most obese persons. Two studies recently published in the reputable Journal of the American Medical Association showed that programs that include frequent weight management behavioral counseling (e.g., goal setting, problem-solving, education on healthy eating) via telephone or in-person; reduced calorie prepackaged prepared foods; and a prescription for exercise result in significant amounts of weight loss^1,2. One study randomized participants to the Jenny Craig program  (that included the existing program's counseling, recommendations, and prepackaged prepared foods) and showed an average weight loss of 16 pounds or 7.9 percent of starting body weight¹ after 2 years. The other study randomized participants to a similar lifestyle change intervention consisting of dietary recommendations, some liquid and prepackaged meal replacements, and a physical activity prescription². In this study, the severely obese subjects lost 8 to 10 percent of initial body weight after one year.

Yes, a 10 percent weight loss is no where near the 50-60 percent loss of body weight seen by some 2 years after gastric bypass surgery, but just think about the costs and risks that are avoided and fitness and healthy habits that are gained with lifestyle change programs. Both studies, indeed, showed additional benefits like increased fitness, improved physical and mental quality of life, improved blood pressure, and insulin resistance with the lifestyle change programs. While weight loss surgeries definitely have their place, many argue that Americans and their healthcare providers have such a lack of confidence in diet and exercise that they turn immediately to the quick fix. It doesn't help that many insurance companies cover the cost of weight loss surgery (upward of $30,000) but not the cost of commercial weight loss programs, frequent visits with dietitians, personal trainers, and behavioral counselors, or prepackaged prepared foods.

Share your thoughts! Should more research be done on behavioral weight loss programs to determine the best treatment and follow-up procedures for small, but meaningful amounts of weight loss? Or, should we focus our efforts on improving weight loss surgeries and drugs to minimize risks and maximize pounds lost?

¹Rock, C.L. (2010). Effect of a free prepared meal and incentivized weight loss program on weight loss and weight loss maintenance in obese and overweight women. JAMA, Published online October 9, 2010, E1-E9.

²Goodpaster, B.H. (2010). Effects of diet and physical activity interventions on weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors in severely obese adults. JAMA, Published online October 9, 2010, E1-E8.