A research study by nutritionists from the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom was published in JAMA Network Open on August 16, 2022 that looked at weight loss when supervised by a commercial weight loss program (WW, formerly named Weight Watchers) compared with a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) approach.
Study participants were 373 adults, ages 18-75, who met criteria for obesity (BMI 25-45). More women than men participated (73% female). The participants were randomly assigned to the WW group or the DIY group.
WW was selected as the commercial group because it met the criteria for an effective weight loss program as defined by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, had several research studies showing effectiveness, and is a cost effective commercial program in these three countries.
The researchers wanted to know which approach resulted in the most weight loss. They also wanted to find out if a recent reduction in the requirement to monitor the intake of over 200 foods made it easier to comply with WW’s program.
At 3 months and 12 months after start of the weight loss study, the people in the WW group lost more weight than people in the DIY group.
WW loss at 3 mos. 8.4 lbs; DIY group 4 lbs
WW loss at 12 mos. 9.7 lbs; DIY group 3.7 lbs
At the start, the DIY group was given a 15-30 minute review of common strategies to lose weight and were given a resource guide with information about various approaches.
At the start, the WW group was given a code to enroll for free in their 12-month standard weight loss program. The program included skill training and techniques to change unhelpful thinking and improve physical fitness. These included positive psychology, gratitude, self-compassion, and physical exercise.
Both groups had lower blood pressure, increased aerobic stamina, improved sleep, better flexibility, and greater happiness. The WW group experienced greater weight loss at both 3 months and 12 months.
The lead researchers were PhD-level nutritionists with an interest in weight loss. They all disclosed that they received grant funds from WW to support the research. They did not know which individuals were in the WW group or the DIY group.
The bottom line is that Do-It-Yourself weight loss efforts resulted in weight loss and improvement in physical and mental consequences of obesity. However, adults participating in the WW weight loss program for 12 months lost an average of 6 pounds more than the DIY approach. Whatever weight loss strategy is used, attention to psychological approaches to changing thinking that contributes to difficulty losing weight and doing exercise are important components.
I have no affiliation with WW and do not own stock in the company. I just thought the research was interesting and useful.
