What is the best weight loss program
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Best Weight Loss Programs: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Weight Loss Programs
Weight loss programs are designed to help individuals reduce their body weight through various methods, including diet, exercise, and behavioral changes. With the prevalence of obesity and its associated health risks, finding an effective weight loss program is crucial. This article synthesizes research findings on the efficacy of major commercial weight loss programs to determine the best options available.
Nonmedical Commercial Weight Loss Programs
Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and L A Weight Loss
The three largest nonmedical commercial weight loss programs in the United States are Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and L A Weight Loss. These programs focus on a combination of diet, behavioral counseling, and physical activity recommendations1.
- Weight Watchers: This program offers large group sessions and allows participants to consume a self-selected diet of conventional foods. Studies have shown that participants in Weight Watchers lost 5.3% of their initial weight at one year and maintained a loss of 3.2% at two years1 2.
- Jenny Craig: This program provides individual counseling and requires clients to purchase prepackaged meals. Participants in Jenny Craig achieved at least 4.9% greater weight loss at 12 months compared to control groups2.
- L A Weight Loss: Similar to Jenny Craig, this program offers individual counseling but allows for a self-selected diet. However, there is limited high-quality evidence on its long-term efficacy1 3.
Medically Supervised and Very-Low-Calorie Diet Programs
Health Management Resources (HMR), Medifast, and OPTIFAST
Medically supervised programs and very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are another category of weight loss interventions. These programs often involve high-protein shakes and close medical supervision.
- HMR: Participants in HMR programs showed significant short-term weight loss, with reductions of 8% to 22% of initial weight at three months. However, there is a risk of biliary complications associated with this program2 8.
- Medifast and OPTIFAST: These programs also resulted in substantial short-term weight loss, but the effects tended to diminish beyond six months2 8.
Internet-Based and Self-Help Programs
eDiets.com, Overeaters Anonymous, and Take Off Pounds Sensibly
Internet-based and self-help programs offer more flexible and often less expensive options for weight loss.
- eDiets.com: This program, along with other internet-based interventions, has shown minimal weight loss results in studies3.
- Self-Help Programs: Programs like Overeaters Anonymous and Take Off Pounds Sensibly provide group support but have limited evidence supporting their efficacy3.
Combined Behavioral Weight Management Programs
Diet and Exercise Interventions
Research indicates that combining diet and exercise in behavioral weight management programs (BWMPs) is more effective than either component alone.
- Combined BWMPs: These programs showed significantly greater weight loss at both short-term (3-6 months) and long-term (12-18 months) follow-ups compared to diet-only or exercise-only programs5. For example, a study on middle-aged women found that a combined diet and exercise program resulted in the most significant improvements in body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and overall health9.
Weight-Neutral Approaches
Health At Every Size (HAES)
An alternative to traditional weight loss programs is the weight-neutral approach, which focuses on health improvements without emphasizing weight loss.
- HAES: This approach has shown significant health benefits, such as improved cholesterol levels, physical activity, and self-esteem, even without substantial weight loss. It presents a viable option for those seeking health improvements without the pressure of weight reduction10.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig are among the most effective commercial weight loss programs, showing significant weight loss and maintenance over time. Medically supervised programs like HMR also demonstrate substantial short-term weight loss but come with potential health risks. Combined behavioral weight management programs that integrate diet and exercise are highly effective for long-term weight loss. Additionally, weight-neutral approaches like HAES offer significant health benefits without focusing on weight loss. Individuals should consider their personal preferences, health conditions, and long-term sustainability when choosing a weight loss program.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Systematic Review: An Evaluation of Major Commercial Weight Loss Programs in the United States
Major commercial weight loss programs in the United States need to disclose key components, staff qualifications, costs, and risks to help consumers make informed decisions about selecting a program.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedEfficacy of commercial weight-loss programs: an updated systematic review.
Weight Watchers and Jenny Craig show promising weight-loss results, while Nutrisystem shows promising results, but more long-term studies are needed.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEvaluation of the Major Commercial Weight Loss Programs
Weight Watchers has the strongest evidence to support its effectiveness, but other major commercial weight loss programs have limited evidence and vary in cost.
Systematic ReviewThe effects of if-then plans on weight loss: results of the 24-month follow-up of the McGill CHIP Healthy Weight Program randomized controlled trial
Adding if-then plans to the standard Group Lifestyle Balance program did not result in higher weight loss at 24-month follow-up, but both groups maintained a significant portion of weight lost at the end of intervention.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalDiet or Exercise Interventions vs Combined Behavioral Weight Management Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Comparisons
Combined behavioral weight management programs (BWMPs) show greater long-term weight loss compared to diet-only or physical activity-only programs.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedThe BestFIT trial: A SMART approach to developing individualized weight loss treatments.
The BestFIT study aims to optimize weight loss outcomes and health benefits by evaluating the benefits of switching from portion-controlled meals to acceptance-based behavior treatment.
Rigorous JournalA self-regulation program for maintenance of weight loss.
A self-regulation program based on daily weighing improved weight loss maintenance, particularly when delivered face-to-face compared to quarterly newsletters.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedThe Role of Commercial Weight-Loss Programs
Commercial weight-loss programs can provide modest weight loss, but their long-term effectiveness remains unclear due to limited clinical trial data and high attrition rates.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalA comparison of diet versus diet + exercise programs for health improvement in middle-aged overweight women
Weight loss programs, especially those combining diet restriction with exercise, show the best results in improving physical, biochemical, physiological, and psychological factors in overweight women aged 40-60 years.
Very Rigorous JournalA weight-neutral versus weight-loss approach for health promotion in women with high BMI: A randomized-controlled trial
Weight-neutral programs can provide long-term health benefits for women with high BMI, including improved intuitive eating and reduced LDL cholesterol.
RCTRigorous JournalHighly Cited