Consistent Support Group Attendance Is Vital for Sustained Total Body Weight Loss in a Community Gastroenterology Clinic.

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for gastrointestinal disease. Although lifestyle modification remains the basis of treatment, these interventions are often ineffective when self-directed. This study aimed to assess the effect on weight loss when lifestyle modification is paired with a support group model.

METHODS

Ninety-four patients with obesity enrolled in the weight loss program at a community gastroenterology practice and participated in a 6-month support group. These sessions provided patients with a space to discuss shared experiences and receive education. Total body weight loss was examined by the level of support group attendance.

RESULTS

Patients who demonstrated high levels of support group attendance (≥ 75%) had significantly greater mean absolute (p = 0.0004) and total percentage body weight loss (p < 0.0001) compared to those who attended fewer sessions and overall were significantly more likely to achieve clinically significant total body weight loss (≥ 10%) (p = 0.0008) over the 6-month period after adjustment for age.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that lifestyle modification is effective in achieving clinically significant weight loss when patients have consistent engagement, measured here by attendance, in a support group. Regular support group attendance has been validated as an effective tool to maintain lifestyle modification participation and adherence, and it appears equally important in sustaining long-term weight loss.