Weight Watchers Randomised Controlled Trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Randomised Controlled Trial of an International Commercial Programme on Weight Loss and Health Outcomes
IRAS ID
246090
Contact name
Maria Bryant
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This is an international study to test whether the commercial community weight management programme, ‘Weight Watchers Flex (WWFlex)’ is able to help people who are overweight and obese lose weight compared to those who are provided with guidance to lose weight without the programme (DIY). The study is being run in three countries; the United States, Canada and the UK.
In the UK, adults who are overweight or obese will be introduced to the study through advertisements in their GP surgery and local communities. Potential participants will be provided a website link, where they will be asked to provide screening information that will indicate whether they are eligible to take part (e.g. Body Mass Index (BMI) 25-45, age 18-75 years, no medical conditions impacting on weight loss). Those not eligible will be notified straight away.
People deemed eligible will be asked to contact researchers based at the Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU) at the University of Leeds to learn more about the study and confirm eligibility via a telephone call. If eligible, people will be invited to attend an appointment in their GP surgery with a trained member of research staff. There, they will be asked to provide informed written consent and then complete a ‘baseline assessment’, including body weight and questionnaires to gather information like lifestyle, health and well-being. After this baseline appointment, people will be randomly allocated to either receive 12 months free membership to WWFlex or DIY weight loss support, which they will get by visiting their GP again for a second appointment. Three and twelve months later, participants will repeat the measurements and questionnaires that were collected at baseline to determine whether attendance at WWFlex results in more weight loss, and improved health and well-being compared to those who were allocated to DIY advice.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0437
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion