A comparison of the provision of the My Choice Weight Management Programme via general practitioner practices and community pharmacies in the United Kingdom

Abstract

SummaryThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a novel, community‐based weight management programme delivered through general practitioner (GP) practices and community pharmacies in one city in the United Kingdom. This study used a non‐randomized, retrospective, observational comparison of clinical data collected by participating GP practices and community pharmacies. Subjects were 451 overweight or obese men and women resident in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation (82% from black and minority ethnic groups, 86% women, mean age: 41.1 years, mean body mass index [BMI]: 34.5 kg m−2). Weight, waist circumference and BMI at baseline, after 12 weeks and after 9 months were measured. Costs of delivery were also analysed. Sixty‐four per cent of participants lost weight after the first 12 weeks of the My Choice Weight Management Programme. There was considerable dropout. Mean percentage weight loss (last observation carried forward) was 1.9% at 12 weeks and 1.9% at final follow‐up (9 months). There was no significant difference in weight loss between participants attending GP practices and those attending pharmacies at both 12 weeks and at final follow‐up. Costs per participant were higher via community pharmacy which was attributable to better attendance at sessions among community pharmacy participants than among GP participants. The My Choice Weight Management Programme produced modest reductions in weight at 12 weeks and 9 months. Such programmes may not be sufficient to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Weight management counselling among community pharmacists: a scoping review

“…The included studies were conducted in various countries. Two studies were conducted in the United States, three in England, two in Australia, one in Scotland and one in Thailand . The study designs varied across all of the included studies.…”

“…The study designs varied across all of the included studies. There were five pre‐/post‐studies, two RCTs, one non‐randomised retrospective comparison and one prospective cohort study …”

“…Eight of the studies targeted patients whose BMI ranged between 25 and 38 . Four studies dictated that patients needed to be at least 18 years old.…”

“…[ ] One study had an age range of 18–50 years, another's age range was 40–64 years and another's was 18–88 years . Three of the studies also targeted patients with obesity‐related comorbidities (such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease) or lowered the BMI requirement for those with comorbidities . Two studies targeted patients with risk factors for coronary heart disease, or chronic disease development .…”

“…Recruitment was typically done either by the pharmacy itself or by referral through a general practitioner or another healthcare provider. Five studies had pharmacists inquire about patients’ interest in participating based on certain indicators such as current weight loss therapies listed in patients’ medication profiles or expressed interest in weight loss products . Six studies had other healthcare professionals refer patients .…”