OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a pharmacist-led weight loss program based on the general requirements set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Decision Memo for Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity. SETTING: Onsite Walgreens pharmacy located inside the main administration building of Maricopa County in downtown Phoenix, AZ. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: A prevention and wellness behavioral therapy weight loss program was developed for patients of the Maricopa County on-site Walgreens. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Current pharmacy patients were recruited to attend 14 one-on-one, pharmacist-led, face-to-face behavioral therapy sessions during a 6-month period that addressed diet, exercise, and nutrition. Interactive PowerPoint presentations were used throughout the sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was mean weight loss from baseline to the end of the study. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition, changes in nutritional intake, and participant satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 12 enrolled participants, 11 (92%) completed the program. The mean weight loss from baseline to the end of the program was 5 kg (P <0.001), representing an average 4.5% weight loss. There was a statistically significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and percent visceral fat from baseline to the end of the study; however, the increase in percent muscle mass, decrease in percent body fat, and change in nutrition intake was not statistically significant. Overall, the participants rated the program highly. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists are accessible health care providers who can effectively provide intensive behavioral therapy for obesity in a manner consistent with the CMS guidelines.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a pharmacist-led weight loss program based on the general requirements set forth by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Decision Memo for Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity. SETTING: Onsite Walgreens pharmacy located inside the main administration building of Maricopa County in downtown Phoenix, AZ. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: A prevention and wellness behavioral therapy weight loss program was developed for patients of the Maricopa County on-site Walgreens. PRACTICE INNOVATION: Current pharmacy patients were recruited to attend 14 one-on-one, pharmacist-led, face-to-face behavioral therapy sessions during a 6-month period that addressed diet, exercise, and nutrition. Interactive PowerPoint presentations were used throughout the sessions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was mean weight loss from baseline to the end of the study. Secondary outcomes included changes in body composition, changes in nutritional intake, and participant satisfaction. RESULTS: Of 12 enrolled participants, 11 (92%) completed the program. The mean weight loss from baseline to the end of the program was 5 kg (P <0.001), representing an average 4.5% weight loss. There was a statistically significant decrease in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and percent visceral fat from baseline to the end of the study; however, the increase in percent muscle mass, decrease in percent body fat, and change in nutrition intake was not statistically significant. Overall, the participants rated the program highly. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists are accessible health care providers who can effectively provide intensive behavioral therapy for obesity in a manner consistent with the CMS guidelines.
Authors: Jorge Félix; Diana Ferreira; Marta Afonso-Silva; Marta Vargas Gomes; César Ferreira; Björn Vandewalle; Sara Marques; Melina Mota; Suzete Costa; Maria Cary; Inês Teixeira; Ema Paulino; Bruno Macedo; Carlos Maurício Barbosa Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-08-29 Impact factor: 2.655