Matching individuals to weight loss treatments: a survey of obesity experts.

For identification of factors for matching individuals to treatments, experts in the field of obesity were surveyed about the indications and contraindications for 11 common approaches to weight loss. The experts provided 170 client characteristics as possible matching factors, yet only 5 factors were matched to specific programs by 50% or more of the respondents. The results are discussed with regard to potential variables for studies on matching individuals to treatments, working hypotheses to be tested, and the value of matching information for clinical decision making