Weight programmes may ease depression and raise confidence, not anxiety.

The review

1. 01

   Who took part

   9,385 adults with overweight or obesity took part in 42 studies. Most studies had mostly women. In 32 studies, people were 31 to 50 years old on average.

2. 02

   What they did

   Most programmes taught people about food and activity, and some gave extra support. Most lasted between 2 and 11 months. The other groups got a leaflet or usual care.

3. 03

   What happened

   Depression fell more, and mental health and confidence rose more, than in the other groups. Anxiety and stress did not differ clearly between groups. Most studies had weak or unclear methods, and the researchers saw signs that some results were not published.

What the review found

1. HelpedOther outcomes

   Across 15 comparisons, weight programmes cut depression more than other groups did by the end.

   Pooled analysis of 0 studies · vs a leaflet or usual care · they rated themselves · ⚠ signs that small negative studies went unpublished; whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited

2. HelpedOther outcomes

   In 10 comparisons, weight programmes lifted quality of life for mental health more than other groups did.

   Pooled analysis of 0 studies · vs a leaflet or usual care · they rated themselves · ⚠ signs that small negative studies went unpublished; whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited

3. HelpedMotivation

   Across 6 comparisons, weight programmes made people more sure of themselves than other groups did.

   Pooled analysis of 0 studies · vs a leaflet or usual care · they rated themselves · ⚠ signs that small negative studies went unpublished; whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited

4. No differenceOther outcomes

   Across 11 comparisons, weight programmes did not change anxiety more than other groups did.

   Pooled analysis of 0 studies · vs a leaflet or usual care · they rated themselves · ⚠ signs that small negative studies went unpublished; whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited

Source