biostudies-literatureSudat SEKNIDDK NIH HHSNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesNational Institutes of Health619-626https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10957326biostudies-literatureUnknown66(4)<h4>Introduction</h4>This study evaluates the real-world impact of a lifestyle change program (LCP) on healthcare utilization in a large health system.<h4>Methods</h4>Using electronic health record data from a large health system in northern California, U.S., LCP participant and propensity-score-matched nonparticipant outcomes were compared in the second year post-participation: (1) overall healthcare utilization and (2) utilization and medications related to cardiometabolic conditions and obesity. Adult LCP participants between 2010 and 2017 were identified and matched 1:1 with replacement to comparable nonparticipants. Participants without electronic health record activity in the 12-36 months before baseline, or with conditions or procedures associated with substantial weight change, were excluded. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed in 2021-22.<h4>Results</h4>Compared to matched nonparticipants, LCP participants in the 12-24 months post-baseline were more likely to have specialty-care visits (+4.7%, 95% CI +1.8%, +7.6%), electronic communications (8.6%, 95% CI +5.6%, +11.7%), and urgent-care visits (+6.5%, 95% CI +3.0%, 10.0%). Participants also had more office visits for cardiometabolic conditions and obesity (+1.72 visits/patient, 95% CI +1.05, +2.39).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Compared with matched nonparticipants, LCP participation was associated with higher utilization of outpatient services post-participation. Additional research could assess whether this indicates an increase in preventive care that could lead to improved future outcomes.American journal of preventive medicineChanges in Healthcare Utilization After Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss.PMC10957326R18 DK110739R18DK110739Romanelli RJAzar KMJSzwerinski NHuang QSudat SEKfalseChanges in Healthcare Utilization After Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss.<h4>Introduction</h4>This study evaluates the real-world impact of a lifestyle change program (LCP) on healthcare utilization in a large health system.<h4>Methods</h4>Using electronic health record data from a large health system in northern California, U.S., LCP participant and propensity-score-matched nonparticipant outcomes were compared in the second year post-participation: (1) overall healthcare utilization and (2) utilization and medications related to cardiometabolic conditions and obesity. Adult LCP participants between 2010 and 2017 were identified and matched 1:1 with replacement to comparable nonparticipants. Participants without electronic health record activity in the 12-36 months before baseline, or with conditions or procedures associated with substantial weight change, were excluded. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed in 2021-22.<h4>Results</h4>Compared to matched nonparticipants, LCP participants in the 12-24 months post-baseline were more likely to have specialty-care visits (+4.7%, 95% CI +1.8%, +7.6%), electronic communications (8.6%, 95% CI +5.6%, +11.7%), and urgent-care visits (+6.5%, 95% CI +3.0%, 10.0%). Participants also had more office visits for cardiometabolic conditions and obesity (+1.72 visits/patient, 95% CI +1.05, +2.39).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Compared with matched nonparticipants, LCP participation was associated with higher utilization of outpatient services post-participation. Additional research could assess whether this indicates an increase in preventive care that could lead to improved future outcomes.2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Apr2025-06-25T03:04:24.495Z2025-06-25T03:04:24.495ZS-EPMC109573263790713310.1016/j.amepre.2023.10.018