3PG Study Demonstrates Cost-Effectiveness of a Community-Based Telewellness Weight Loss Program
August 11, 2024
Prevention Policy and Practice Group (3PG) researchers previously demonstrated that the Koa Family Program (KFP) was an effective weight loss program that was designed for women. The KFP was a whole health, group intervention supported by a health coach that resulted in clinically significant weight loss in both a community-based, randomized controlled trial and a clinical pilot program conducted at UC Davis Health, Folsom. The KFP was delivered through a telewellness platform and used a mind-body-spirit perspective to support weight loss through evidence-based content delivered in weekly 90-minute sessions over about a four-month period.
3PG conducted a cost-effectiveness study demonstrating that the KFP was a cost-effective program comparable in cost per amount of weight loss to several commercial weight loss programs.
“The findings are relevant for health systems or employers that may want to offer an effective, convenient weigh loss program for patients or employees,” noted Desiree Backman, chief of 3PG.
“In spite of the introduction of several effective weight loss drugs, lifestyle change is still important since these newer medications have side effects and are inappropriate for a large number of patients that should lose weight to improve their health,” noted Neal Kohatsu, a health strategist with 3PG.
The study was published in the April 2024 issue of AJPM Focus. Authors of the study were: Jeffrey Hoch, Neal Kohatsu, Julia Fleuret, and Desiree Backman.
