The CAMden WEight Loss Trial

A randomised control trial of a one-to-one weight management intervention in Camden

Welcome to the CAMWEL study

The number of people who are overweight or obese in the UK and worldwide is increasing. Obesity has a number of serious consequences for public health and weight loss is a major concern for the population.

In a survey, the majority of GPs and nurses said they thought that obesity should be treated BY the NHS. However, only 1 in 5 practices currently have a weight management programme. Primary care could be important in reducing the number of people who are overweight or obese, but is not used as much as it could be to help people control their weight. At present more clinical trial evidence is required before NICE can make recommendations about specific weight management interventions in primary care. We piloted a nurse-led computer-aided lifestyle support package and pedometers in eight general practices and it was found to be successful.

The aim of the CAMWEL study is to conduct a large-scale randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a longer-term advisor-led lifestyle support programme and the use of pedometers in overweight or obese adults who wish to lose weight.