Community-Based, Structured Weight Loss Programs Work Better For Diabetics

People who participate in community-based structured weight loss programs lose more weight on average than those who go it alone, a University of California, San Diego, study has determined. The clinical trial enrolled 227 overweight men and women with type 2 diabetes, half of whom received diabetes self-management education, weight counseling, portioned-controlled food (Jenny Craig), a planned menu and one-on-one counseling. The control group received counseling on diabetes care and weight loss. After six months, 72 percent on the weight loss program that included portion-controlled foods and personalized counseling were able to change their insulin use compared to eight percent of the control group. They also experienced 8.2 percent weight loss, compared to 2.5 percent.