Family Physician-Led Group Visits for Lifestyle Modification in Women with Weight Problems: A Pilot Intervention and Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Objective: Lifestyle modification requires extensive information sharing and counseling. However, one-on-one primary care consultations are lacking to cover all necessary components due to time constraints. This preliminary study aims to investigate the feasibility and effects of lifestyle-changing intervention by family physician-led group visits (GVs) on weight management in overweight and obese women. Methods: 60 volunteers fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Baseline and 6th month assessments consisted of anthropometric measurements, SF-36 Health Survey, blood variables, exercise test, and resting metabolic rate. Weight maintenance was controlled at the 12th month. Results: Although weight loss among participants varied, the mean body weights were significantly decreased by 8.2% in full-attenders (n = 30). A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol and decreases in heart rate and blood pressure were found. SF-36 summary scales were significantly improved. Weight change was moderately correlated with exercise duration, compliance to diet, and baseline mental component score. It was determined that 62.5% of the participants either lost or maintained body weight at the 12th month. Conclusion: Significant weight loss and quality of life improvement was achieved in this pilot study.GVs may be a promising alternative to primary care consultations for obesity management; however, the high dropout level and diverse outcomes need further assessment.

Evaluation of multidisciplinary weight loss shared medical appointments

“…Other weight loss SMA publications had a range of results, including a weight loss average of only 1.0% after 4 months, 5 4.1% after 2 months, 13 and 8.2% in full attenders after 6 months. 7 A limitation of the present study was its duration of only 3 to 12 months of follow-up. We do not know the long-term sustainability of the weight loss achieved by participants in the program.…”

“…Previous publications on SMAs and group visits involved only 1 or 2 providers: a physician, dietician, psychologist, or therapist. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In addition, most commercial diet programs do not have pharmacist or physician involvement, although there are some programs available with medical monitoring. The providers for the present study's SMA included a pharmacist, dietitian, and family practice physician.…”

“…Full attenders of 8 visits over 6 months had a mean weight loss of 8.2% (P < 0.001). 7 Three other trials evaluated SMAs or groupbased treatment programs for weight loss in the pediatric population. The visits were run by a physician, dietician, or staff, and patients in these trials had a significant reduction in their BMI or body fat.…”

Programmed shared medical appointments for weight management in primary care: An exploratory study in translational research

“…12 Preliminary work has also indicated the potential value of such an approach. 13 The primary aim of the trial was to measure the acceptability of pSMAs for best use in primary care. Secondary aims were to measure weight loss over a 12-month period and to assess cost and time effectiveness of the process.…”

Tipping the scales: Provider perspectives on a multi-disciplinary approach to obesity

“…Many of the studies utilized group visits as intervention or vehicle for care delivery, 24,25,27,28,30,31,52 as group visits have been shown to enhance outcomes in patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and obesity. [53][54][55] Assessment of participants' behavioral health status via standardized screenings/assessment tools or behavioral health providers, is common in studies with 24,28,[30][31][32][33] or without 25,26 formal assessment or treatment of behavioral health factors. The primary goal of two studies was to evaluate the properties of psychometric tools in addressing several behavioral factors -assessing weight loss readiness 29,32 and predicative capacity in weight management.…”