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Industry-sponsored weight loss programs: description, cost, and effectiveness.

Barbara Witherspoon·Margaret Rosenzweig
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Abstract

PURPOSE: To describe three commercial weight loss programs (Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, and Weight Watchers), including efficacy data when available, and to provide clinicians with information for patient counseling. DATA SOURCES: Personal interviews, journal articles, and Web site information. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial weight loss programs provide weight loss services. Benefits are experience, planned menus, and psychological support. Limitations are cost, sales promotions that encourage on-the-spot commitment to prepaid contracts, and the cost of program food and additional vitamins. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Weight loss is a necessary goal for many patients. Clinicians are mandated to provide counseling regarding weight loss.

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Cost-Benefit AnalysisCounselingDiet, ReducingHealth Care SectorHumansMenu PlanningNurse PractitionersObesityPatient Education as TopicPrimary Health CareProgram EvaluationSelf-Help GroupsSocial SupportTaxesTreatment OutcomeWeight LossComparative StudyEvaluation StudyJournal Article

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Barbara Witherspoon, Margaret Rosenzweig. 2004. Industry-sponsored weight loss programs: description, cost, and effectiveness.. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-7599.2004.tb00442.x

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