Data from: Description and preliminary results from a structured specialist behavioural weight management group intervention: Specialist Lifestyle Management (SLiM) Programme

Background/Objectives: Specialist Lifestyle Management (SLiM) is a structured patient education and self-management group weight management programme. Each session is run monthly over a 6-month period providing a less intensive long-term approach. The groups are patient-centred incorporating educational, motivational, behavioural, and cognitive elements. The theoretical background, programme structure, and preliminary results of SLiM are presented. Subjects/Methods: The study was a pragmatic service evaluation of obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥35 kg/m2 with co-morbidity or ≥40 kg/m2 without co-morbidity referred to a specialist weight management service in the West Midlands, UK. 828 patients were enrolled within SLiM over a 48-month period. Trained facilitators delivered the programme. Preliminary anonymised data were analysed using the intention to treat principle. The primary outcome measure was weight loss at 3 and 6 months with comparisons between completers and non-completers performed. Last observation carried forward (LOCF) was used for missing data. Results: Of the 828 enrolled within SLiM, 464 completed the programme (56%). Mean baseline weight was 135kg (BMI 49.1kg/m2) with 87.2% of patients having a BMI ≥40kg/m2 and 12.4% with a BMI≥60kg/m2. Mean weight change of all patients enrolled was -4.1kg (95% CI -3.6 to -4.6kg, P=0.0001) at the end of SLiM, with completers (n=464) achieving -5.5kg (95% CI -4.2 to -6.2kg, P=0.0001) and non-completers achieving -2.3kg (P=0.0001). The majority (78.6%) who attended the 6-month programme achieved weight loss with 32.3% achieving a ≥5% weight loss. Conclusions: The SLiM programme is an effective group intervention for the management of severe and complex obesity.