Primary Care Physicians Effective at Facilitating Weight Loss

A study by William C. Haas, from East Carolina University (North Carolina, USA),and colleagues finds that physicians in primary care practices can be as effective as weight loss clinics in helping the moderately obese lose weight. Patients received behavioral modification sessions and a diet plan partially or fully supplemented by meal replacements at either a primary care clinic or a weight loss center. Primary care clinics were as effective as weight loss centers at reducing weight, and better at reducing body fat. Regardless of location, participants completing 12 weeks of treatment lost an average of 11.1% of their body weight. The study authors report that: “Primary care physicians can successfully manage and treat obese patients.”