Characteristics of the Weight Loss Interventions
| Intervention | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Commercial program | Vouchers to attend Weight Watchers for 12 months |
| Weekly group meetings in local community venue | |
| Promotes a hypoenergetic, balanced diet based on healthy eating principles | |
| Advice on increasing physical activity | |
| Weight measurement | |
| Group support | |
| Access to internet-based systems to monitor food intake, activity, and weight change; to participate in community discussion boards; and to access a library of information, recipes, and meal ideas | |
| Average participant attendance while in trial = 3 meetings per month | |
| Standard care | In line with national guidelines (see http://www.nice.org.uk/CG043) |
| Weight loss advice from primary care professional at local practice (usually practice nurse) | |
| 1-on-1 meetings; minimum level of care = 6 visits over 12 months | |
| Weight measurement | |
| Dietary advice based on British Heart Foundation booklet So You Want To Lose Weight... For Good | |
| Average participant attendance while in trial = 1 meeting per month |