Implementation and effectiveness of a care process to prioritize weight management in primary care: a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial.

What was studied

This study tested a new weight care plan called PATHWEIGH. It ran in 56 family doctor clinics in Colorado, USA. Clinics switched from usual care to the plan at start dates set by chance. The plan used leader support, health record tools, and staff training on obesity. In all, 274,182 adults took part. Each had a body mass index of 25 or more.

What they found

A model suggests the plan lowered average weight by 0.29 kg at 6 months. It suggests a further drop of 0.28 kg from 6 to 18 months. The total gap was 0.58 kg. People were more likely to get weight care while the plan ran. In people getting weight care, the plan was linked to 2.36 kg more loss. Without weight care, it was linked to 0.32 kg less weight gain.

What it means for patients

The authors say PATHWEIGH is a practical plan that can be used in many clinics. They say it had a good effect on weight across a large group of people. The plan also made weight care more common in these clinics.

Why it is not certain yet

The main results come from a model that compares the plan with usual care. The model only suggests the plan caused the weight changes. The results for people who did or did not get weight care are links. Links like these do not prove cause. All clinics were in the state of Colorado. The abstract does not report side effects or health results beyond weight.

Source

Implementation and effectiveness of a care process to prioritize weight management in primary care: a stepped-wedge cluster-randomized trial.

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