Findings of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, MD, suggest that people who participate in weight-loss programs under supervision of certified physicians have better chances of losing weight than those who follow their own program.

Published in Patient Education and Counseling, the study showed that weight loss accounted for twice as much for patients who reported their health care provider’s support as particularly helpful than those who did not.

“This trial supports other evidence that providers are very important in their patients' weight loss efforts. Incorporating physicians into future programs might lead patients to more successful weight loss”, said Dr. Wendy L. Bennett, assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Weight-loss experts have long advocated for the long the value of a good relationship between a patient and their physician. The research linked a high-quality relationship, involving empathy, good communication and trust, to improved appointment keeping and adherence to courses of medication.

The study researchers that many obese patients participate in programs that are commercially run and they do not even consult their doctors about the odds of losing weight by enrolling themselves in the programs.

The research highlights the importance of seeking advice from a physician as a significant step towards their goal of maintaining healthy body weight. Obesity has become a scourge in the US, with more than one third of US adults recognized as obese.

Obesity increases the risk of heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and even some types of cancer. A high quality relationship with a physician plays a vital role in helping obese people to lose weight to an extent they desire, said researchers.