There Are Only Two Weight Loss Systems That Actually Work, Says Science

The two programs with strong evidence of effectiveness were both high-intensity and well-rounded. (Photo: Getty Images) 

If you’ve been thinking of dropping dough on a commercial weight-loss system, you may want to take a look at this research first. A new study from Johns Hopkins University shows that only two programs, Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, are supported by substantial data that proves them to be more effective than on-your-own dieting or outside counsel.

Since obesity is a rising problem, with a vast number of patients seeking solutions, the researchers delved into 4,200 studies of commercial programs for reliable evidence of effectiveness. Through late 2014, only a few dozen studies met the scientific “gold standard” in testing, or randomized clinical trials.

There was very little evidence to show which weight-loss programs are more effective at keeping weight off after one year than those trying to lose on their own, or with the help of outside data or dieting sessions, says Kimberly Gudzune, M.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of medicine and weight-loss specialist at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

“Given that the Federal Trade Commission has encouraged weight loss programs to collect data on how much weight people have lost and how long that they have kept it off, I was surprised that we found that only 11 out of 32 programs we considered had rigorous studies reporting on weight loss,” she tells Yahoo Health. “So, we do not know whether most programs work.”

However, after this study, we now know at least a couple have scientific weight behind them. In total, the researchers were able to examine the results of 39 trials covering 11 different systems: Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, NutriSystem, HMR, Medifast, OPTIFAST, Atkins, SlimFast, Biggest Loser Club, eDiets and Lose It!

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While some programs, like NutriSystem, showed the promise of potentially maintaining results, the follow-up data was not there. Only two regimens had gold-standard support — Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers — and a weight-loss regimen is only really effective if that weight stays off, says Gudzune.

How Weight Watchers uses friends to help you stay on track. (Video: WISN 12 News This Morning) 

“At 12 months, the average weight losses achieved with Weight Watchers was at least eight pounds and with Jenny Craig was at least fifteen pounds,” she says. “While many people may consider these modest weight losses, this amount of weight loss does meet the goal of achieving a three- to five-percent loss from your starting weight that is recommended by recent guidelines.”

These two programs with evidence of effectiveness were high-intensity and well-rounded. Along with NutriSystem (which did show evidence of faster weight loss after three months than dieting or counseling alone, but no long-term data), Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers blend together goal-setting, self-monitoring, nutritional information and counseling.

A look inside the Jenny Craig weight loss program. (Video: Fox Extra)

Gudzune hopes this research prompts more studies on commercial weight-loss systems, which may help doctors and dieticians give more effective advice on tackling obesity. For now, she encourages men and women considering a commercial program to talk to their docs before jumping into a new regime, since some people have additional health concerns that must be monitored closely while losing weight.

The bottom line is to open a dialogue about weight-loss strategies, and, if one exists, bring up a system that interests you. “Some important aspects to consider would be whether the program has scientific evidence to prove that it works, as well as the costs and time commitment required with the program,” Gudzune says. “This discussion can help people determine what weight-loss strategy best suits their needs, which for some, might be a commercial weight-loss program.”

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