Empowering primary care to tackle the obesity epidemic: the Counterweight Programme.Eur J Clin Nutr. 2005 Aug; 59 Suppl 1:S93-100; discussion S101.EJ
OBJECTIVE
To improve the management of obese adults (18-75 y) in primary care.
DESIGN
Cohort study.
SETTINGS
UK primary care.
SUBJECTS
Obese patients (body mass index > or =30 kg/m(2)) or BMI> or =28 kg/m(2) with obesity-related comorbidities in 80 general practices.
INTERVENTION
The model consists of four phases: (1) audit and project development, (2) practice training and support, (3) nurse-led patient intervention, and (4) evaluation. The intervention programme used evidence-based pathways, which included strategies to empower clinicians and patients. Weight Management Advisers who are specialist obesity dietitians facilitated programme implementation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Proportion of practices trained and recruiting patients, and weight change at 12 months.
RESULTS
By March 2004, 58 of the 62 (93.5%) intervention practices had been trained, 47 (75.8%) practices were active in implementing the model and 1549 patients had been recruited. At 12 months, 33% of patients achieved a clinically meaningful weight loss of 5% or more. A total of 49% of patients were classed as 'completers' in that they attended the requisite number of appointments in 3, 6 and 12 months. 'Completers' achieved more successful weight loss with 40% achieving a weight loss of 5% or more at 12 months.
CONCLUSION
The Counterweight programme provides a promising model to improve the management of obesity in primary care.