Evaluation of a Commercially Delivered Weight Management Program for Adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a commercially available, structured short-term weight management program designed for adolescents with obesity delivered by nonhealth professionals.

STUDY DESIGN: A multisite parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate a commercial 12-week lifestyle behavioral program in commercial weight management centers in Australia. Eligible participants (13-17 years, body mass index (BMI) z score ?1.282 with no presenting morbidities) were randomized (n?=?88) to intervention or wait-list, and the program was delivered by consultants at participating weight management centers. The primary outcome was change in BMI z score. Secondary outcomes included the psychometric variables quality of life, body-esteem, and self-esteem. Data was analyzed according to intention-to-treat principles.

RESULTS: Of 74 participants who consented to enter the study, 66 provided baseline anthropometric data and 12-week data were available for 55 individuals (74%). A significantly greater decrease in BMI z score in the intervention group (n?=?32) was observed when compared with the wait-list control group, mean difference (MD)?=??0.27?kg/m(2); 95% CI, ?0.37,?0.17; P?
CONCLUSIONS: A structured lifestyle intervention delivered by a commercial provider in an adolescent population can result in clinically relevant weight loss and improvements in psychosocial outcomes in the short term. Further research is required to evaluate long-term outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Clinical Trials Registry: ISRCTN13602313.