Skip to main content

The context you need, when you need it

When news breaks, you need to understand what actually matters — and what to do about it. At Vox, our mission to help you make sense of the world has never been more vital. But we can’t do it on our own.

We rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. Will you support our work and become a Vox Member today?

Join now

How many people who start Weight Watchers maintain their goal weight after five years?

Media for Medical/UIG via Getty Images

Carl Heneghan, an evidence-based medicine doctor at Oxford University in the UK, looked at the long-term evidence for Weight Watchers. He found that only eight percent of participants reach their goal and keep their weight off after five years.

ww

(Graphic courtesy of Carl Heneghan, Center for Evidence-Based Medicine at Oxford University)

These results square with what we know about maintaining weight loss: that it’s incredibly difficult and only tiny minority are able to stay slim.

Correction: A previous version of this article stated that one percent of people maintained their weight loss after five years.

More in Health Care

The End of HIV
The 45-year fight against HIV is one of humanity’s greatest victories. It’s also in danger.The 45-year fight against HIV is one of humanity’s greatest victories. It’s also in danger.
The End of HIV

We have the tools to end the virus. The question is whether we’ll abandon them.

By Bryan Walsh
The Highlight
The elder care solution that everyone with aging parents should know aboutThe elder care solution that everyone with aging parents should know about
The Highlight

As baby boomers age, caregivers are often squeezed caring for parents and children at the same time. They need help.

By Courtney E. Martin
Good Medicine
The cocaine comeback, explainedThe cocaine comeback, explained
Good Medicine

The next phase of America’s drug crisis is here.

By Dylan Scott
Future Perfect
The world’s deadliest infectious disease is on the rise in the USThe world’s deadliest infectious disease is on the rise in the US
Future Perfect

We discovered its cause 144 years ago. It’s still a massive problem.

By Shayna Korol
Good Medicine
How to talk to your doctor about moneyHow to talk to your doctor about money
Good Medicine

Health care in America is too expensive. But you can make your physician your ally.

By Dylan Scott
Good Medicine
Nurse practitioners are rushing in to fill the gaps in US health careNurse practitioners are rushing in to fill the gaps in US health care
Good Medicine

You need a primary care appointment. Should you see an MD — or NP?

By Dylan Scott