A 12-month randomized controlled trial of 225 adults with prediabetes (83% female, 51 y, BMI 37 kg/m2, HbA1c 5.9%) found that those participating in the Weight Watchers meetings and digital tools group lost significantly more weight than those in a self-initiated Diabetes Prevention Program, according to a 2016 study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Those in the Weight Watchers group lost 5.55% of bodyweight compared to those in the self-initiated program who lost 0.21% at 12 months.
Additionally, those in the Weight Watchers group had significantly greater improvements in their HbA1c than those in the self-initiated group. Specifically, the Weight Watchers group (WW) experienced a decrease of 0.25%, compared to the self-initiated group (CT) who experienced a decrease of 0.18% at 12 months.
Source: Marrero, et al. Comparison of commercial and self-initiated weight loss programs in people with prediabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Public Health. 2016;106(5):949-956.