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Inexpensive weight management program could improve health and reduce medical costs

June 29, 2017

The study also found that the proportion of participants engaging in regular physical activity increased significantly from 29.1 percent to 40.2 percent after one year and up to 44.2 percent after 15 to 18 months.

The researchers also found the weight management program to be cost-effective. The study found that for the first two groups $30 to $40 per person was required to produce a 1 percent weight loss. For the third group approach, which included coaching support, $70 per person was required to produce a 1 percent weight loss.

For the first two groups, the researchers estimated the savings in medical costs would equal $500 per participant and the costs of providing the program would be recouped in three years.

For the third group, the researchers found the medical costs savings would be $750 per participant and would take six years to recoup the cost of providing the program.

"The cost-effectiveness of the HEALTH weight management program compares favorably with other preventive health programs, such as smoking cessation counseling and cholesterol education," Hersey said. "It is more cost-effective than bariatric procedures."

Source: RTI International