Some programs like Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and Optifast appear to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes but conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of most plans isn’t available.
HealthDay News reports that researchers set out to review 18 published studies that involved 10 popular weight-loss programs. These studies involved a total of 764 people with type 2 diabetes.
The lead reviewer and assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Zoobia Chaudhry told HealthDay News that “A few of these programs may be a viable option for improving blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes and those at risk for the disease, but we need more gold-standard studies to make that claim,”
Other Weight-Loss Programs May Be Helpful
The researchers found a link between obesity or being overweight and developing type 2 diabetes. She referred to past research that has shown how a small amount of weight-loss can help blood sugar levels of people with type 2 diabetes.
The researchers admitted that other weight-loss programs aside from Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem and Optifast may help lower blood sugar levels but there just isn’t evidence available to find out if that is true or not.
Most People Don’t Have Access to Jenny Craig
In a press release from Johns Hopkins University, Chaudry explained that the research focused on intensive lifestyle change programs that involved a great deal of support–a closely managed diet and coached exercise. She said programs with that level of support are not available to the majority of the estimated 29 million people in the US with type 2 diabetes.
Which Weight-Loss Programs Show Promise?
The press release also states the researchers found that among the total 764 people with type 2 diabetes in the studies, the Jenny Craig program lowered A1c levels more than weight-loss counseling alone at 12 months and the Nutrisystem and Optifast program lowered A1c levels more than counseling alone at six months.
Chaudhry and colleagues hope more studies will be done to rigorously test the blood sugar effects of commercial weight-loss programs. As it is now, researchers hesitate to encourage doctors recommending these programs since there is a general lack of data altogether. Chaudry herself plans to further investigate these commercial programs so people can be more aware of the possible benefits regarding their diabetes.
About Jenny Craig
Jenny Craig and similar programs offer a range of services designed to give support and structure to joining members for the purpose of weight-loss and weight-loss maintenance. The Jenny Craig website states that their menus are “nutritionally-balanced” and developed by “dietitians, nutritionists, and food technologists.” The company boasts individualized support and education through consultants that work to help members figure out what their particular strengths and challenges are. They then plan with members a path to their reaching their goals.
Further reading on weight-loss programs:
Losing Just 5% of Your Body Fat = Huge Health Benefits
[ADA] Diabetic Weight–loss Plan Yields Long-term Success
My Weight–Loss Results on the “Body Beast” Program
The Coach You Need for Weight–loss, Strength-Training, and …
Weight Watchers Point Plus Program
How to Lose Weight with Diabetes
Photo Credit: Vidmir Raic, Pixabay
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