Team-based "Get-a-Grip" lifestyle management programme in the treatment of obesity

This study examined weight loss during an extensive 1-year lifestyle programme in primary care in Finland in overweight subjects (n= 134, age 18-69 years; BMI > 30, or BMI > 25 with a comorbidity that would benefit from weight loss) between 2009 and 2013 in a single arm design. The programme included four medical doctor visits, five sessions by a dietitian (advice on diet and on-location shopping behaviour), cooking classes, exercise supervised by personal trainer, and group discussions. A motivational interview method was applied. Of the 134 participants, 92 (69%) completed the 1-year programme. Among the participants 44% lost >= 5%, while 21% lost >= 10% of their initial body weight. In intention-to-treat-analyses, the mean weight loss during one year was 4.8 kg (p < 0.001). Mean BMI decreased by 1.7 kg/m(2) (p < 0.001) and waist circumference by 5.6 cm (p < 0.001). Mean muscle mass increased by 3.3% (p < 0.001), and body fat decreased by 5.0% (p < 0.001). After the programme mean visceral fat content was reduced by 6.4%, systolic blood pressure by 8 mmHg (p < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure by 6 mmHg (p < 0.001). In conclusion, retention to the team-based lifestyle management programme resulted in moderate but significant weight loss with beneficial changes in body composition, and the trend to lose weight was maintained throughout the year.