Observations of a Commercial Weight Loss Program on Physical Function and Selected CVD Risk Factors

Commercial programs are effective for reducing body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors. However, there are limited data on the additional health benefits that may result from weight loss achieved through a commercial program. This study reports on observations from a commercial weight loss program on physical function and selective cardiovascular disease risk factors in adults with obesity. Three hundred adults with obesity (age, 47.3 ± 12.6 yr; body mass index, 33.2 ± 4.4 kg·m) participated in a 6-month commercial weight loss program (WW, formerly Weight Watchers). Measures included weight, height, body mass index, waist circumference, physical function using the 6-min walk test and the sit and reach test, resting blood pressure, and resting heart rate. There was significant weight loss of 4.2 ± 3.7 kg (4.7% ± 4.1%) and 4.9 ± 5.7 kg (5.5% ± 6.2%) at 3 and 6 months, respectively ( < 0.001). Sit and reach, walking distance during the 6-min walk, and gait speed significantly improved across the 6-month intervention ( < 0.001). In addition, there were significant decreases in resting blood pressure and heart rate. A commercial weight loss program results in improvements in measures of physical function and selective cardiovascular disease risk factors. These findings support the potential of commercial programs to affect health-related measures in adults with obesity.

Duke Scholars

Author Katherine Collins-Bennett Population Health Sciences