Evaluating the Effectiveness of FitterLife: A Community-Based Virtual Weight Management Program for Overweight Adults Without Diabetes or Hypertension in Singapore
Author(s)
Ge Lixia, MPH, MSc1, Shawn Lin, BA2, Joseph Antonio Molina, MD, MSc1, Michelle Jessica Pereira, PhD1, Elaine Tan, MMed (Fam Med)2, Fong Seng Lim, MMed (Fam Med)3.
1Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore, 2Clinical Transformation, National Healthcare Group Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore, 3National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore.
1Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore, 2Clinical Transformation, National Healthcare Group Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore, 3National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore.
OBJECTIVES: With the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity reaching 36.2% in Singapore in 2017 and its significant association with diabetes risk, FitterLife was offered as a community-based 12-week weight management programme. It targeted adults without diabetes or hypertension and included nine weekly virtual sessions on Zoom focusing on physical activity, nutrition management and health education. This research aims to assess the short-term effectiveness of FitterLife in achieving clinically meaningful weight loss.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing prospectively collected data from FitterLife participants (n=227) enrolled between August 2021 and September 2023 with retrospectively matched controls (n=3,759) from the institutional Population Health Data Mart. The primary outcome was achieving ≥5% weight loss or a ≥1-unit BMI reduction at week 12. For participants missing week 12 data, week 8 measurements were carried forward (last observation carried forward). Using propensity score matching (1:1, n=224 per group), programme effectiveness was analysed via intention-to-treat logistic regression. Additionally, mixed-effects models were used to assess weight and BMI trajectories at weeks 4, 8, and 12 within the matched sample. Factors associated with weight loss success at week 12 among programme participants were examined using multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS: FitterLife participants (mean age 47.8±10.7 years, 79.5% were females and 83.5% were Chinese) were more likely to achieve weight loss target compared to matched controls (43.8% vs 14.5%, adjusted OR=4.65, 95% CI: 3.45-6.26). Mixed-effect model demonstrated that FitterLife participants experienced significant reductions in weight and BMI throughout the programme. Additionally, attending more sessions (7-9 sessions) and increased fibre intake were independently associated with greater weight loss success.
CONCLUSIONS: FitterLife was effective in supporting weight loss among this population. Interim findings support its potential as a scalable, community-based intervention. Full cost-per-participant and cost-effectiveness analyses as well as projected long-term health benefits will be completed at programme conclusion.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing prospectively collected data from FitterLife participants (n=227) enrolled between August 2021 and September 2023 with retrospectively matched controls (n=3,759) from the institutional Population Health Data Mart. The primary outcome was achieving ≥5% weight loss or a ≥1-unit BMI reduction at week 12. For participants missing week 12 data, week 8 measurements were carried forward (last observation carried forward). Using propensity score matching (1:1, n=224 per group), programme effectiveness was analysed via intention-to-treat logistic regression. Additionally, mixed-effects models were used to assess weight and BMI trajectories at weeks 4, 8, and 12 within the matched sample. Factors associated with weight loss success at week 12 among programme participants were examined using multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS: FitterLife participants (mean age 47.8±10.7 years, 79.5% were females and 83.5% were Chinese) were more likely to achieve weight loss target compared to matched controls (43.8% vs 14.5%, adjusted OR=4.65, 95% CI: 3.45-6.26). Mixed-effect model demonstrated that FitterLife participants experienced significant reductions in weight and BMI throughout the programme. Additionally, attending more sessions (7-9 sessions) and increased fibre intake were independently associated with greater weight loss success.
CONCLUSIONS: FitterLife was effective in supporting weight loss among this population. Interim findings support its potential as a scalable, community-based intervention. Full cost-per-participant and cost-effectiveness analyses as well as projected long-term health benefits will be completed at programme conclusion.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
CO104
Topic
Clinical Outcomes
Topic Subcategory
Comparative Effectiveness or Efficacy
Disease
Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity)