Clinical Nutrition Open Science (Oct 2023)
Long-term weight loss maintenance in females after participation in a community weight management programme – A feasibility study
Abstract
Summary: Introduction: There is limited evidence about longer-term weight outcomes in adults attending real-life programmes. This study investigated the feasibility of following up participants of a community weight management organisation, Slimming World (SW), the longer-term weight and behaviour change outcomes and contributors to weight loss (WL) and maintenance (WLM). Methods: 6299 adults, who joined SW 2.5–3 years earlier, were invited to participate in a survey which captured retrospective and current data on anthropometrics, physical and mental health, lifestyle, facilitators and barriers to WL and WLM. Self-reported weights were verified using electronic records. Results: Responses from 356 females (mean age 48.7 [11.57] years, baseline BMI 33.5 [6.53] kg/m2) were analysed. 50.6% were attending groups; total weight loss was 9.6 [9.72] % for current and 4.4 [8.87] % for past members.Most reported cooking more meals using fresh ingredients (93.5% current; 81.3% past), eating more fruit/vegetables (98.2% current; 74.2% past), using SW recipes >weekly (82.4% current; 72.4% past). Increases in physical activity (60.5% current; 43.5% past) and decreases in alcohol (48.1% current; 32.2% past) were reported.Support of a partner (B= -4.18, P<0.01), friends (B= -3.09, P<0.05), and SW group/members (B= -7.33, P<0.001) contributed to the regression model looking at predictors of WLM.Respondents reported family members made positive dietary changes (73.9% current; 48.7% past) and became more active (33.1% current; 26.6% past).Health improvements were reported by 50.3% past and 83.4% current, with 92.9% current members attributing this to weight management and lifestyle changes. Both groups reported feeling calmer and more peaceful, having more energy (P<0.001) and feeling less downhearted and low (current P<0.001; past P<0.05). 30.1% of all members were able to reduce medications for depression and anxiety. Conclusion: Despite the challenges of following up people three years after initially joining SW, longer-term weight and sustainable behaviour change outcomes were shown. Both current and past members reduced their weight, reported positive changes to dietary habits and physical activity levels, and improved health and emotional wellbeing. The support received from the group significantly predicted WLM. Importantly, benefits were also passed on to families showing greater reach and impact.
