Weight loss schemes more effective than NHS
A leading nutritionist has advised GP’s to encourage overweight patients to join weight loss schemes as opposed to opting for NHS help.
The Medical Research Council conducted a study which found that WeightWatchers programmes helped individuals to loose twice as much weight than those who chose GP care.
Over the course of a year GP’s from Northampton referred half of 772 overweight patients to weekly WeightWatchers meetings which were paid for by the doctors surgery.
The other half received GP led care which involved leaflets and information on healthy eating and appointments with the nurse for weigh ins and advice.
All patients had their weight recorded at regular intervals throughout the year and each time WeightWatchers came out best with their group having lost twice as much in the twelve months.
