Uptake and choice of commercial weight loss products and services by adults in the UK

Abstract

Objectives: 1) To assess the use and reasons of choice of commercial weight loss products and services (CWLPS), 2) Critically assess the effectiveness of CWLPS.
Methods: A mixed method study design was used to assess the use and reasons of choice of CWLPS (survey and Q-method) and investigate the effectiveness of CWLPS (systematic review).
Results: Weight loss group based programmes such as Slimming World were the most popular type of CWLPS used. The Q-method study identified four different groups of participants who had similar needs for their preferred CWLPS, which mapped onto the different types of CWLPS available. The systematic review showed that CWLPS result in weight loss, although attrition rates are often quite high. Slimming groups such as Weight Watchers appeared the most effective.
Discussion and conclusion: It is clear that most CWLPS are used, preferred,and effective for some people, at least for a short period of time. However,different users have different needs for their preferred CWLPS. The cost of a CWLPS is not a critical factor in its use, popularity, or effectiveness.