Table 1.

Characteristics of the Weight Loss Interventions

Intervention	Characteristics
Commercial program	Vouchers to attend Weight Watchers for 12 months
	Weekly group meetings in local community venue
	Promotes a hypoenergetic, balanced diet based on healthy eating principles
	Advice on increasing physical activity
	Weight measurement
	Group support
	Access to internet-based systems to monitor food intake, activity, and weight change; to participate in community discussion boards; and to access a library of information, recipes, and meal ideas
	Average participant attendance while in trial = 3 meetings per month
Standard care	In line with national guidelines (see http://www.nice.org.uk/CG043)
	Weight loss advice from primary care professional at local practice (usually practice nurse)
	1-on-1 meetings; minimum level of care = 6 visits over 12 months
	Weight measurement
	Dietary advice based on British Heart Foundation booklet So You Want To Lose Weight... For Good
	Average participant attendance while in trial = 1 meeting per month