Weight Watchers Helps People Avoid Type 2 Diabetes, Study Found

A program delivered by the weight management provider Weight Watchers helped people at risk for type 2 diabetes avoid developing the condition.

This was determined by UK researchers who selected 166 patients at high risk for type 2 diabetes. These individuals had pre-diabetes, and a body mass index in the obese range. They were being treated by general practitioners.

The patients were invited to enroll in a Weight Watchers diabetes prevention program that involved an initial 90 minute introductory session, and 48 weekly group meetings. Of those invited, 117 attended the introductory session, and 115 continued to meet weekly.

The prevention program helped participants improve their food choices, reduce portion sizes, get more physically active, and gain confidence in their ability to create and sustain a healthier lifestyle. Blood tests and weight measurements were done at six and 12 months.

After one year, program participation resulted in an average 2.84 drop in A1C readings, to levels considered normal. For 38 percent of enrollees blood glucose levels returned to normal, and just three percent of participants developed type 2 diabetes. Average weight loss was 22 pounds.

Though this study was small owed to funding issues, it corroborates U.S. research indicating participation in a commercial weight loss program can reverse progression to type 2 diabetes.

The UK investigators point out that not all people at high risk for diabetes go on to develop it, but they conclude that weight management programs are an effective tool for type 2 prevention. “The lifestyle changes and weight loss achieved in the intervention translated into considerable reductions in diabetes risk, with an immediate and significant public health impact.”

Source: BMJ
Photo credit: Mike Mozart