study backs slim clubs on nhs

Weight provided-
According to a major new study published today in the Lancet, the NHS\'s free weight loss course may be key to fighting obesity.
University of Cambridge
The organization found that obese patients were referring
Long-term programs like Weight Watchers lose twice as much weight as standard care provided by the NHS.
The Human Nutrition Research Team of the Medical Research Committee studied the progress of 772 overweight people.
These patients either receive a 12-month free weight loss membership or are advised by the NHS primary care team on health and weight loss.
A year later, those who participated in the weight loss program lost an average of 11 lbs and 4 ounces.
Patients receiving standard NHS care lost 4 lbs and 13 ounces.
Lead researcher Dr. Susan Jeb and her colleagues
The authors say business programs \"can provide clinically useful early interventions for weight management in overweight and obese people that can be implemented on a large scale \".
Dr. Sarah Jarvis in London
The US-based GP told Sky News that she was not surprised by the study.
\"What we need is a sustainable weight plan, and many of these plans, in the long run, will not only be Weight Watchers, but will also help you re-train your eating habits. \" she said. \"It\'s not easy.
This is not a quick fix, but it works better than a quick fix.
\"A lot of NHS patients have been given a commercial weight loss plan, but usually only for 12 weeks.
The government says there are no plans to provide long-term services.
The NHS currently has a long-term weight loss program, but says it will focus on the study.
\"We need to have a better understanding of how to help people lose weight, so we welcome the study,\" said a Health Ministry spokesman.