A Commercial Program is Effective for Weight Loss and Improving Health-Related Outcomes in Adults: 3857 Board #296 June 4, 9: 30 AM - 11: 00 AM.

Given the wide variety of commercial weight loss programs, independent evaluations of the effectiveness of these programs are critical to help inform choices by patients and practitioners. PURPOSE: This study evaluated changes in body weight, food cravings, flexibility, physical activity tolerance, and sleep quality (if you have room) in participants enrolled in a Weight Watchers program with the new SmartPointsTM plan. METHODS: Participants (N=150; mean age: 47.3 ± 12.7 years; mean BMI: 33.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2) were enrolled in a 6-month Weight Watchers program with the new SmartPointsTM plan. The intervention was delivered by trained Weight Watchers leaders and evaluated by independent research staff that was not engaged in intervention delivery. The intervention included weekly group sessions, instructions on behavioral methods of weight control and the use of an app to log points for foods and beverages. Body weight, food cravings, flexibility using the YMCA sit and reach test, physical activity tolerance using the 6 minute walk test, and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were assessed at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Of the 150 enrolled participants, 144 (95.3%) completed the 6-month assessment and provided data for weight, food cravings, flexibility, and sleep, with 143 providing data for the 6 minute walk. There was a significant reduction in weight of 2.8 ± 5.0 kg (3.1 ± 5.5%) from 0 at 6 months (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in cravings for: sweets; carbohydrates and starches; fats; and fats from fast food (all p-values<0.001). There was no change in cravings for fruits and vegetables (p=0.326). Flexibility increased by 15.1±26.3% (p<0.001) and distance during the 6 minute walk increased by 23.8±39.0 meters (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in the percent of participants classified as a “poor sleeper” at baseline (48.6%) compared to 6 months (43.8%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Weight Watchers SmartPointsTM plan produced significant 6-month improvements in body weight, food craving, flexibility and function, and sleep quality. Thus, this program provides an effective treatment option for adults who are overweight or obese.