A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Group versus Individual Treatments for Adult Obesity
Year: 2009
Type: article
Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Both group and individual modes of delivery are employed for obesity treatments. Commercial weight loss groups commonly employ group-based delivery, while many clinical based settings employ one-to-one delivery. We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials of treatments for adult obesity to compare the effectiveness of group-based to individual-based modes of treatment delivery. METHODS: We searched 7 electronic databases and 2 journals and reviewed secondary references, based on a priori criteria to systematically review: randomised controlled trials of obesity treatments, participants with BMI >or=28 kg/m(2), age >or=18 years, comparison groups including at least 1 group-based and 1 individual-based treatment group, and follow-up >or=1 year. We extracted data and conducted meta-analysis of weight change. RESULTS: Eleven comparison groups from 5 qualifying trials were obtained, representing a total participant pool of 336. Significantly greater (p = 0.03) weight change at 12 months was found in group-based over individualbased treatment, and sub-analyses showed that increased effectiveness was associated with the use of financial reward and psychologist-led interventions. CONCLUSION: Group-based interventions were more effective than individual-based interventions among a predominantly female participant pool receiving psychologist-led interventions. Future studies to explore differences by professional group and interventions among men, which are accompanied by economic evaluation, are recommended.
Source: Obesity Facts
DOI: 10.1159/000186144
Authors: Virginia Paul-Ebhohimhen, Alison Avenell
Institution: University of Aberdeen
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1987185279