American research suggests that use of a standard behavioral weight loss intervention (SBWI) appears to result in greater weight loss than use of a stepped-care weight loss intervention (STEP) in overweight and obese adults. After 18 months, weight decreased by 8.1% in the SBWI group, compared with a 6.9% rate for the STEP group. However, the cost per participant was $1,357 for the SBWI group, which was nearly twice as much as that of the STEP group ($785).
Abstract: JAMA, June 27, 2012.
