Multi‐component access to a commercially available weight loss program: A randomized controlled trial

This study examined weight loss between a community‐based, intensive behavioral counseling program (Weight Watchers PointsPlus®) that included 3 treatment access modes and a self‐help condition. A total of 292 participants were randomized to a Weight Watchers (WW; n=147) or a self‐help condition (SH; n=145). WW participants were provided with 3 ways to access the treatment: weekly meetings, WW mobile application, and WW online tools. Heights and weights were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Self‐report of access routes used was collected at 3 and 6 months. Data were available for 248 subjects at 24‐weeks (85.0% retention). A significant interaction of time and condition for BMI (F=36.7, p<.001) was found, indicating that WW participants significantly decreased their BMI at 6 months compared to SH participants. Mean weight loss for the WW and SH groups was 10.1 ± 11.7 lbs and 1.3 ± 8.1 lbs respectively. WW participants were 8.0 (95% CI, 3.9–6.2) times more likely to achieve a 5% baseline weight loss at 6 months than SH participants (p<.001). The use of the treatment access modes was also examined. Those using all 3 access routes to a high degree had the greatest weight loss (p<.001). This community‐based program produced clinically significant weight loss. Participants that used all treatment access modes were the most successful in the program. This study was supported by a grant from Weight Watchers International, Inc.