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Lifestyle Program (lifestyle + program)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	100%

Selected Abstracts

Cost-effectiveness of Weight Watchers and the Lighten Up to a Healthy Lifestyle program

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 3 2010
Linda Cobiac
Abstract Objective: Intensive weight loss programs that incorporate dietary counselling and exercise advice are popular and are supported by evidence of immediate weight loss benefits. We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of two weight loss programs, Lighten Up to a Healthy Lifestyle and Weight Watchers. Methods: Health gains from prevention of chronic disease are modelled over the lifetime of the Australian population. These results are combined with estimates of intervention costs and cost offsets (due to reduced rates of lifestyle-related diseases) to determine the dollars per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted by each intervention program, from an Australian health sector perspective. Results: Both weight loss programs produced small improvements in population health compared to current practice. The time and travel associated with attending group-counselling sessions, however, was costly for patients, and overall the cost-effectiveness ratios for Lighten Up ($130,000/DALY) and Weight Watchers ($140,000/DALY) were high. Conclusion: Based on current evidence, these intensive behavioural counselling interventions are not very cost-effective strategies for reducing obesity, and the potential benefits for population health are small. Implications: It will be critical to consider other strategies (e.g. changing the ,obesogenic' environment) or explore alternative methods of intervention delivery (e.g. Internet) to see if they offer a more cost-effective approach by effectively reaching a high number of people at a low cost. [source]

Active for Life After Cancer: a randomized trial examining a lifestyle physical activity program for prostate cancer patients

PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY, Issue 10 2006
Cindy L. Carmack Taylor
Abstract Background: Active for Life After Cancer is a randomized trial evaluating the efficacy of a 6-month group-based lifestyle physical activity program (Lifestyle) for prostate cancer patients to improve quality of life (QOL) including physical and emotional functioning compared to a group-based Educational Support Program and a Standard Care Program (no group). Method: A total of 134 prostate cancer patients receiving continuous androgen-ablation were randomly assigned to one of the three study conditions. Results: Results indicated no significant improvements in QOL at 6 or 12 months. Both group-based programs were positively received and yielded good attendance and retention. Lifestyle participants demonstrated significant improvements in most theoretical mediators proposed by the Transtheoretical Model and Social Cognitive Theory to affect physical activity. Despite these improvements, no significant changes were found for most physical activity measures. Conclusions: Results suggest a lifestyle program focusing on cognitive-behavioral skills training alone is insufficient for promoting routine physical activity in these patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Lifestyle and medication interventions for the prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes mellitus in prediabetes: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2010
Agnes Yuen
Abstract Objective: To assess lifestyle and pharmacological interventions aiming to delay type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in prediabetes. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, BIOSIS and LILACS databases, examined reference lists and contacted authors. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on both lifestyle and medication interventions in prediabetes. These studies were at least 12 month duration and aimed to delay T2DM. Results: Four studies investigating lifestyle and medication with a total of 5,196 participants were identified. There was a high risk of bias in the studies and the interventions utilised varied considerably; thus, meta-analysis was not undertaken. The comparison between lifestyle and medication interventions was largely dependent on the intensity of the lifestyle program while we could not adequately assess their effects on cardiovascular morbidity. Adverse events with metformin and acarbose were common. Conclusion: There is substantial evidence that intensive lifestyle programs and medications delay T2DM in impaired glucose tolerance though it remains unclear which is more effective. Implications: Both interventions seem to be able to delay T2DM. However, both have issues with adherence and side effects and more RCTs are required. [source]

Effectiveness of a community-directed ,healthy lifestyle' program in a remote Australian Aboriginal community

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2000
Kevin G. Rowley
Objective: To assess the sustainability and effectiveness of a community-directed program for primary and secondary prevention of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in an Aboriginal community in north-west Western Australia. Method: Evaluation of health outcomes (body mass index, glucose tolerance, and plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations) in a cohort of high-risk individuals (n=49, followed over two years) and cross-sectional community samples (n=200 at baseline, 185 at two-year and 132 at four-year follow-ups), process (interventions and their implementation) and impact (diet and exercise behaviour). Results: For the high-risk cohort, involvement in diet and/or exercise strategies was associated with protection from increases in plasma glucose and triglycerides seen in a comparison group; however, sustained weight loss was not achieved. At the community level, significant reductions were observed in fasting insulin concentration but no change in prevalence of diabetes, overweight or obesity. Weight gain remained a problem among younger people. Sustainable improvements were observed for dietary intake and level of physical activity. These changes were related to supportive policies implemented by the community council and store management. Conclusions: Community control and ownership enabled embedding and sustainability of program, in association with social environmental policy changes and long-term improvements in important risk factors for chronic disease. Implications: Developmental initiatives facilitating planning, implementation and ownership of interventions by community members and organisations can be a feasible and effective way to achieve sustainable improvements in health behaviours and selected health outcomes among Aboriginal people. [source]