Weight loss from three commercial providers of NHS primary care slimming on referral in North Somerset: service evaluation

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of provider, gender and obesity class on outcomes of National Health Service (NHS) slimming on referral.

Methods: Service evaluation in 12 UK general practices. Obese patients aged ≥16 were referred for 12 sessions to one of three commercial providers. Outcomes at 12 weeks were attendance, BMI, total and percentage weight loss, 5% and 5 kg weight loss and comparison across providers. Linear and multiple regression analyses were used, adjusting for confounders.

Results: One thousand four hundred and forty patients were referred; 1047 receiving vouchers and 880 attending at least one session. The mean weight change was -4.8 kg (95% CI: -5.1 to -4.5) and the percentage bodyweight loss was -4.6% (standard deviation: 3.7). Weight Watchers patients lost more weight [-1.15 kg (95% confidence interval, CI: -1.25, -1.04), P < 0.001] and were more likely to lose 5% bodyweight [odds ratio: 1.81 (95% CI: 1.78, 1.83), P < 0.001] than those attending the provider with the least weight loss.

Conclusions: NHS slimming on referral can successfully achieve short-term weight loss. Patients attending Weight Watchers were most likely to lose weight than those attendingother providers.