A recent study conducted under the aegis of John Hopkins University claimed that weight loss programs under physician supervision is likely to be more effective than those without a doctor’s supervision.
Dr Wendy Bennet, assistant professor at John Hopkins and lead author for this study reports that their research highlights the importance of having doctors as part of any weight loss program for improved effect.
Managing weight is an unpleasant and abhorring task that many are forced by compulsion to undertake owing to the risks of obesity. Many follow extreme workouts or fad diets or sometimes even surgery to shave off the extra fat in their body to reach desirable body weight. This new study now claims that weight loss programs have a better chance at success when a doctor’s advice/supervision is taken.
The researchers studied data from 347 obese individuals collected over two years. The people under study were free to get physician help for weight loss. After two years, the patients were asked to fill up a survey form and give information regarding their relationship with doctors during the weight loss stint. The results of the study were published in Patient Education and Counseling Journal.
The report revealed that regular doctor visits helped obese patients lose up to 11 pounds on an average. The people who lost more weight with their doctor’s help and advice found their physicians very helpful.
The study also found that those who lost the lowest amount of weight gave the lowest ratings for their physicians.
Dr Bennett was also of the opinion that a successful doctor-patient relationship results in enhanced empathy, trust, collaboration and good interaction thereby improving the chances of weight loss immensely. This was because the patients are likely to be more honest and strictly adhere to their doctor’s prescriptions.
The scientists involved in the research study also opined that insurers ought to join in these weight loss measures by offering insurance plans. Then, obesity, which is a bane that is taking explosive proportions in the country, is bound to be controlled in a better way despite the fact that the health benefits associated with weight loss overshadow financial benefits.
