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Weight Loss and Program Satisfaction in Response to the Weight Watchers SmartPoints Plan
Author(s) -
Rogers Renee J,
Kovacs Sara J,
Byard Thomas D,
Collins Katherine A,
Creasy Seth A,
Gomberg Monica A,
McCoy Stephanie M,
Peluso Anna,
Raybuck Shawn D,
Rupp Kristie,
Jakicic John M
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.lb230
Subject(s) - weight loss , medicine , attendance , body mass index , physical therapy , obesity , economics , economic growth
Background As commercial weight loss programs adapt their approaches, it is important to evaluate the protocols for satisfaction and efficacy. This study evaluates changes in body weight and body mass index (BMI) along with program satisfaction in participants enrolled in a Weight Watchers program with the updated SmartPoints plan. Methods Participants (N=150; mean age: 47.3 ± 12.7 years; mean BMI: 33.9 ± 4.3 kg/m 2 ) were enrolled in a 6‐month Weight Watchers program. The intervention was delivered by trained Weight Watchers leaders and evaluated by independent research staff that was not engaged in intervention delivery. The Weight Watchers intervention included weekly group sessions, instructions on calculating points for foods and beverages, and use of an app to log points. Assessment of body weight and BMI were completed at baseline and 6 months, attendance at group sessions was tracked weekly, and program satisfaction was reported using a survey at 6 months. Results Of the 150 enrolled participants, 143 (95.3%) completed the 6‐month assessment. There was a significant reduction in weight of 2.8 ± 5.0 kg (3.1 ± 5.5%) from 0 at 6 months ( p <0.001). This corresponded to a reduction in BMI from 33.8 ± 4.3 kg/m 2 to 32.8 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 ( p <0.001). A clinically meaningful threshold of 5% weight loss was achieved in 32.9% (N=47) of the sample. There was a significant correlation between attendance and weight loss (r=0.59, p <0.001) with 11.9 ± 6.4 group sessions attended. Participants who attended >75% of sessions (N=21) lost more weight (−9.4 ± 6.6%) than those who attended >50–<75% (N=52, −4.2 ± 4.5%), 25–50% (N=39, −1.5±3.3%), and <25% (N=31, −0.9 ± 3.7%) of group sessions ( p <0.001); those attending >50–<75% lost significantly more weight than those attending either 25–50% or <25% of group sessions ( p <0.001). There was no significant difference in weight loss between those attending 25–50% or <25% of group sessions. Weight change was significantly correlated with overall program satisfaction (r=0.52, p <0.001), satisfaction with the amount of weight lost (r=0.54, p <0.001), and with the likelihood of recommending the program to friends and colleagues (r=0.36, p <0.001). Conclusions The Weight Watchers SmartPoints plan appears to be effective at eliciting significant 6‐month reductions in body weight and BMI. It appears that attendance at the weekly sessions is an important component to success when participating in this commercial weight loss program. Support or Funding Information Weight Watchers International, Inc.