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Effectiveness of male‐only weight loss and weight loss maintenance interventions: a systematic review with meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Young M. D.,
Morgan P. J.,
Plotnikoff R. C.,
Callister R.,
Collins C. E.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
obesity reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.845
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1467-789X
pISSN - 1467-7881
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2011.00967.x
Subject(s) - weight loss , psychological intervention , medicine , meta analysis , systematic review , intervention (counseling) , gerontology , obesity , medline , psychiatry , political science , law
Summary The objectives of this systematic review were to investigate the effectiveness of male‐only weight loss and weight loss maintenance interventions and to identify intervention characteristics associated with effectiveness. In May 2011, a systematic literature search with no date restrictions was conducted across eight databases. Twenty‐four articles describing 23 studies met the eligibility criteria. All studies included a weight loss intervention and four studies included an additional weight loss maintenance intervention. Study quality was mostly poor for weight loss studies (median = 3/10, range = 1–9) and weight loss maintenance studies (median = 3.5/10, range = 1–6). Twenty‐three of 31 individual weight loss interventions (74%) from the eligible studies were considered effective. Meta‐analysis revealed a significant difference in weight change favouring weight loss interventions over no‐intervention controls at the last reported assessment (weighted mean difference −5.66 kg [−6.35, −4.97], Z = 16.04 [ P < 0.00001]). Characteristics common to effectiveness were younger sample (mean age ≤42.8 years), increased frequency of contact (>2.7 contacts/month), group face‐to‐face contact and inclusion of a prescribed energy restriction. Preliminary evidence suggests men‐only weight loss programmes may effectively engage and assist men with weight loss. However, more high‐quality studies are urgently needed to improve the evidence base, particularly for maintenance studies.