According to a new study, Weight Watchers group program helps obese adults to not only lose weight but also reduce glucose and insulin levels for those who complete at least 2/3 of the six-month program.
The study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine could benefit the 57 million Americans currently living with pre-diabetes, as the results demonstrate that the Weight Watchers group program contributes to the prevention of such condition. The program includes education on a lower calorie diet, exercise and weekly group support sessions. Those who attended regularly lost an average of 14 pounds and had a dramatic change in glucose and insulin levels associated with diabetes risk.
“We know that previous research programs have successfully reduced diabetes risk using intensive lifestyle treatment,” said Kathleen Melanson, study co-author. “But what we didn’t know is that a program that costs appreciably much less than specially-designed diabetes prevention programs would have a profound impact on the same risk factors for type 2 diabetes.”