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Meta-Analysis
. 2009;2(1):17-24.
doi: 10.1159/000186144. Epub 2009 Feb 3.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of group versus individual treatments for adult obesity

Virginia Paul-Ebhohimhen  1 , Alison Avenell
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

A systematic review of the effectiveness of group versus individual treatments for adult obesity

Virginia Paul-Ebhohimhen et al. Obes Facts. 2009.

Abstract

Background: Both group and individual modes of delivery are employed for obesity treatments. Commercial weight loss groups commonly employ group-based delivery, while many clinical based settings employ one-to-one delivery. We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials of treatments for adult obesity to compare the effectiveness of group-based to individual-based modes of treatment delivery.

Methods: We searched 7 electronic databases and 2 journals and reviewed secondary references, based on a priori criteria to systematically review: randomised controlled trials of obesity treatments, participants with BMI >or=28 kg/m(2), age >or=18 years, comparison groups including at least 1 group-based and 1 individual-based treatment group, and follow-up >or=1 year. We extracted data and conducted meta-analysis of weight change.

Results: Eleven comparison groups from 5 qualifying trials were obtained, representing a total participant pool of 336. Significantly greater (p = 0.03) weight change at 12 months was found in group-based over individualbased treatment, and sub-analyses showed that increased effectiveness was associated with the use of financial reward and psychologist-led interventions.

Conclusion: Group-based interventions were more effective than individual-based interventions among a predominantly female participant pool receiving psychologist-led interventions. Future studies to explore differences by professional group and interventions among men, which are accompanied by economic evaluation, are recommended.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart for selection of studies.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Weight change (kg) in group versus individual treatment at 12 months.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Sub-analysis of comparison of group to individual treatment by use of financial reward.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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