Weight change in control group participants in behavioural weight loss interventions: a systematic review and meta-regression study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Unanticipated control group improvements have been observed in intervention trials targeting various health behaviours. This phenomenon has not been studied in the context of behavioural weight loss intervention trials. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-regression of behavioural weight loss interventions to quantify control group weight change, and relate the size of this effect to specific trial and sample characteristics.

Methods

Database searches identified reports of intervention trials meeting the inclusion criteria. Data on control group weight change and possible explanatory factors were abstracted and analysed descriptively and quantitatively.

Results

85 trials were reviewed and 72 were included in the meta-regress

SUBMITTER: Waters L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3499351 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature