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Effectiveness of a Single Physician-led Weight loss Program in Primary Care Setting
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  • Varalakshmi Niranjan,
  • Aleksandra Sliwinska,
  • Fufei Chen,
  • Srinath Ramanan,
  • Narinder Maheshwari,
  • Helen Wu
Varalakshmi Niranjan
University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Corresponding Author:niranjan@uchc.edu

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Aleksandra Sliwinska
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Fufei Chen
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Srinath Ramanan
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Narinder Maheshwari
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Helen Wu
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
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Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a single physician-led weight loss program in a primary care. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of 300 patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 in an outpatient weight loss program. Weight loss interventions included lifestyle counseling and pharmacotherapy. Outcomes were assessed based on percentage weight change during a time period of two consecutive visits less than 90 days. Results We found that 57.7%, 43.3% and 16.1% patients who attended the clinic 5 or more times, 4-5 times, 2-3 times respectively achieved 5% weight loss (p < 0.0001). In regard to achieving 10% weight loss, 42.3%, 8.7% and 4.3% patients who attended the clinic 5 or more times, 4-5 times and 2-3 times did it respectively (p<0.0001). Moreover 60% of patients achieved 5% of weight loss in about 200 days, and 40% achieved 10% weight loss in 350 days. Patients who achieved 5% weight loss, their average A1c was reduced to 5.8 at their last visit from 6.4 at the first visit. Conclusions A single physician-led weight loss program is effective and can be created within a primary care setting to achieve 5-10% weight loss.
28 Apr 2021Submitted to International Journal of Clinical Practice
29 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
29 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
30 Apr 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
10 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 May 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
01 Jun 20211st Revision Received
02 Jun 2021Submission Checks Completed
02 Jun 2021Assigned to Editor
02 Jun 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Jun 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Jun 2021Editorial Decision: Accept