Effects of weight-neutral approaches compared with traditional weight-loss approaches on behavioral, physical, and psychological health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Context Weight-neutral approaches for health are emerging therapeutic alternatives to traditional weight-loss approaches. The existing literature base comparing these approaches has not yet been systematically evaluated by a meta-analysis. Objective This review aims to determine if weight-neutral approaches are valid alternatives to weight-loss approaches for improving physical, psychological, and behavioral health outcomes. Data Sources Embase, Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, and the University of Queensland Library databases were searched. Study Selection Peer-reviewed, experimental, or quasi-experimental studies that included weight-neutral and weight-loss arms and reported physical, psychological, or behavioral outcomes were eligible. A total of 525 studies were identified through initial database searches, with 10 included in the final analysis after exclusion criteria were applied. Data Extraction Screening and eligibility assessment of studies followed the PRISMA protocol. The following outcomes were extracted: weight, body mass index, lipid and glucose variables, blood pressure, eating behavior, self-esteem, depression, quality of life, physical activity, and diet quality. Data Analysis Studies were graded per the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) level-of-evidence tool and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quality-evaluation tool. Effect sizes were examined as a meta-analysis of standardized and mean differences using a random-effects inverse-variance model with 95%CIs. Practice recommendations for each outcome were graded per NHMRC body-of-evidence guidelines. Conclusions Weight-neutral approaches resulted in greater improvement in bulimia (P = 0.02), but no significant differences were observed for any other outcome. Weight-neutral approaches may be as effective as weight-loss methods for improving physical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes. Limitations include inconsistent definitions of both approaches and variable time frames of follow-up.