Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

OBJECTIVE: To understand preferences for features of weight loss programs among adults with or at risk of type 2 diabetes in the U.K. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a discrete choice experiment with 3,960 U.K. adults living with overweight (n = 675 with type 2 diabetes). Preferences for seven characteristics of weight loss programs were analyzed. Simulations from choice models using the experimental data predicted uptake of available weight loss programs. Patient groups comprising those who have experience with weight loss programs, including from minority communities, informed the experimental design. RESULTS: Preferences did not differ between individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. Preferences were strongest for type of diet. Healthy eating was most preferred relative to total diet replacement (odds ratio [OR] 2.24; 95% CI 2.04-2.44). Individual interventions were more popular than group interventions (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.34-1.47). Participants preferred programs offering weight loss of 10-15 kg (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.28-1.47) to those offering loss of 2-4 kg. Online content was preferred over in-person contact (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.18-1.30). There were few differences in preferences by gender or ethnicity, although weight loss was more important to women than to men, and individuals from ethnic minority populations identified more with programs where others shared their characteristics. Modeling suggested that tailoring programs to individual preferences could increase participation by ∼17 percentage points (68% in relative terms). CONCLUSIONS: Offering a range of weight loss programs targeting the preferred attributes of different patient groups could potentially encourage more people to participate in weight loss programs and support those living with overweight to reduce their weight.

Original publication

DOI

10.2337/dc23-2019

Type

Journal article

Journal

Diabetes Care

Publication Date

20/02/2024