Randomized controlled trial assessing two commercial weight loss programs in adults with overweight or obesity.

Objective: Lifestyle interventions remain the cornerstone for obesity treatment. Commercial programs offer one weight loss approach, yet the efficacy of few such programs have been rigorously investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two commercial weight-loss programs, both utilizing pre-portioned meal replacements (MRs) and different levels of behavioural support, compared to a self-directed control diet in adults with overweight and obesity.

Effect of an Energy-Restricted, Nutritionally Complete, Higher Protein Meal Plan on Body Composition and Mobility in Older Adults With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Increasing protein content of the diet might be an effective strategy to preserve muscle mass in older adults undergoing caloric restriction, thereby preserving muscle function.

Methods: Ninety-six older adults (70.3 ± 3.

Comparative effectiveness of a portion-controlled meal replacement program for weight loss in adults with and without diabetes/high blood sugar.

Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes (DM2) may be less successful at achieving therapeutic weight loss than their counterparts without diabetes. This study compares weight loss in a cohort of adults with DM2 or high blood sugar (D/HBS) to a cohort of adults without D/HBS. All were overweight/obese and following a reduced or low-calorie commercial weight-loss program incorporating meal replacements (MRs) and one-on-one behavioral support.

Effectiveness of a Medifast meal replacement program on weight, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults: a multicenter systematic retrospective chart review study.

Background: Recent medical guidelines emphasize the importance of actively treating overweight and obesity with diet and lifestyle intervention to achieve ≥ 5% weight loss in a 6-month period. Commercial programs offer one approach provided there is evidence of their efficacy and safety. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the Medifast® 4 & 2 & 1 Plan™ on weight loss, body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults.

Developing regulatory strategy for microbicides.

Ever since the discovery that a virus was responsible for AIDS, prevention of HIV infection has been a drug/vaccine development target in therapeutic research. Microbicide products are a viable, globally applicable option; however, to date, no product has been approved anywhere in the world. Development of such a product will need to account for the changing disease landscape and will need to leverage available regulatory pathways to gain approvals in the developed world and emerging markets.