Better social functioning
- Published in
- Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002
- People studied
- 38
In 38 men with a BMI of 35 or more, losing about 14% of their weight went with better social functioning scores that lasted to follow-up.
- Checked against
- PubMed 12075575
- Published in
- Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
This 8-month trial randomly assigned 38 men, average age about 46, with a BMI of 35 or more, to a 4-month very low calorie diet and behaviour programme or to no programme. The programme group lost about 17% of their weight and kept about 14% off at follow-up. Their quality of life scores for physical functioning and social functioning improved and stayed better, while the control group's scores barely changed.
At a glance
- Type of study
- randomised trial
- People studied
- 38
- How long
- 8 months
- Compared with
- men with no programme
- Main result
- Social functioning improved and stayed better after about 14% weight loss.
- Strength of evidence
- Small or uncontrolled studies
What this study does not show
A very small trial in middle-aged men, followed for only about 4 months after the programme. It measured a questionnaire score, not time spent with family or friends.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on social life
- Better social functioningSmall or uncontrolled studies · Kaukua et al., Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2002
- Weight discrimination at higher BMILong-term or observational studies · Puhl et al., Int J Obes 2008
- Subtle bias from shop staffLong-term or observational studies · King et al., J Appl Psychol 2006
- Less social isolation, in womenLong-term or observational studies · Hajek and König, Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021
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