Abstracts / Posters
Introduction of a structured approach to weight management in primary care
Obesity Reviews. 2004 Vol 5 Issue S1
The Counterweight Project Team
Aim: To measure the effectiveness of a UK primary care weight management programme, designed to educate and enable primary care staff to manage obesity within their work setting.
Methods: Eighty primary care practices from 7 areas of the UK were recruited into the Counterweight programme. Specialist obesity dietitians provided practice training, clinical support, and implemented protocols. A structured algorithm was introduced which offered a systematic approach to screening and intervention.
Results: 1256 patients had been recruited to the programme at time of abstract submission. 598, 385 and 282 patients attended review appointments at 3, 6, and 12 months. The mean BMI was 37 and 75% of patients had at least one co-morbidity. 80% of patients who entered the programme received individual intervention, 28% attended group intervention and 9% received anti-obesity medication. Some patients had more than one intervention over this period. 34% of patients maintained 5% weight loss at 12 months. 48% of patients were classed as completers in that they attended the required level of appointments in 3, 6, and 12 months. At 12 months the mean weight loss for completers was 4.8Kg compared to 0.5Kg for non completers.
Conclusions: The Counterweight Programme has demonstrated that clinically effective weight reduction can be achieved in a primary care setting with about 50% completion rate.