Recommendations Summary

Adult Weight Management (AWM) Optimal Length of Weight Management Therapy

Click here to see the explanation of recommendation ratings (Strong, Fair, Weak, Consensus, Insufficient Evidence) and labels (Imperative or Conditional). To see more detail on the evidence from which the following recommendations were drawn, use the hyperlinks in the Supporting Evidence Section below.

• Recommendation(s)

  AWM: Optimal Length of Therapy

  Medical Nutrition Therapy for weight loss should last at least 6 months or until weight loss goals are achieved, with implementation of a weight maintenance program after that time. A greater frequency of contacts between the patient and practitioner may lead to more successful weight loss and maintenance.

  Rating: Strong
  Imperative

  • Risks/Harms of Implementing This Recommendation

    None. 

  • Conditions of Application

    No conditions specified.

  • Potential Costs Associated with Application

    None.

  • Recommendation Narrative

    • Optimally, dietary therapy should last at least 6 months.  NHLBI Evidence Category A. 
    • A weight maintenance program should be a priority after the initial 6 months of weight loss therapy.  NHLBI Evidence Category B.
    • During dietary therapy, frequent contacts between professional counselors and patients promote weight loss and maintenance.  NHLBI Evidence Category C.
    • The amount of time spent with the patient favorably affects weight loss change in overweight or obese adults given dietary therapy.  NHLBI Evidence Category D.
    • The literature suggests that weight loss and weight maintenance therapies that provide a greater frequency of contacts between the patient and the practitioner and are provided over the long term should be utilized whenever possible.  This can lead to more successful weight loss and weight maintenance.  NHLBI Evidence Category C.

  • Recommendation Strength Rationale

    • NHLBI Evidence Categories of A, B, C, and D

  • Minority Opinions

    Consensus reached.

• Supporting Evidence

  The recommendations were created from the evidence analysis on the following questions. To see detail of the evidence analysis, click the blue hyperlinks below (recommendations rated consensus will not have supporting evidence linked).

  • References
  • References not graded in Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Process

    The Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults: The Evidence Report, NIH Publication No. 98-4083, September 1998, produced by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in cooperation with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

    Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/txgd/40.htm

    To access the pdf of the NHLBI Clinical Guidelines click here: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/index.htm