--- title: "Changes in healthcare utilization for weight loss | Sutter Health" description: "Changes in healthcare utilization after lifestyle intervention for weight loss" url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/changes-in-healthcare-utilization-for-weight-loss-1055312948" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Research](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research) / 3. [Research publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications) / 4. Changes in healthcare utilization for weight loss # Changes in healthcare utilization after lifestyle intervention for weight loss Sudat & Sylvia _Changes in healthcare utilization after lifestyle intervention for weight loss \[published online ahead of print_ _2023 Oct 29\]. Am J Prev Med. 2023;S07_ 2023-10-29 ## Abstract Introduction: This study evaluates the real-world impact of a lifestyle change program (LCP) on healthcare utilization in a large health system. Methods: Using electronic health record (EHR) data from a large health system in northern California, United States, LCP participant and propensity-score-matched non-participant outcomes were compared in the second year post-participation: (1) overall healthcare utilization, and (2) utilization and medications related to cardiometabolic conditions and obesity. Adult LCP participants between 2010-2017 were identified and matched 1:1 with replacement to comparable non-participants. Participants without EHR activity in the 12-36 months before baseline, or with conditions or procedures associated with substantial weight change, were excluded. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed in 2021-22. Results: Compared to matched non-participants, LCP participants in the 12-24 months post-baseline were more likely to have specialty-care visits (+4.7%, 95% CI +1.8%,+7.6%), electronic communications (8.6%, 95% CI +5.6%,+11.7%), and urgent-care visits (+6.5%, 95% CI +3.0%,10.0%). Participants also had more office visits for cardiometabolic conditions and obesity (+1.72 visits/patient, 95% CI +1.05,+2.39). Conclusions: Compared with matched non-participants, LCP participation was associated with higher utilization of outpatient services post-participation. Additional research could assess whether this indicates an increase in preventive care that could lead to improved future outcomes. [PubMed abstract](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37907133/) ![Sylvia Sudat, Ph.D.](https://dyn.mktgcdn.com/p/2AHRaDJwevdbwzC2ecrwY3nYIxbiqxd9NbpxBlI8Kpk/fit=crop,gravity=auto,dpr=2,width=188,height=250,quality=100) Sylvia Sudat, Ph.D. Principal investigator [View profile](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/investigators/sylvia-sudat-phd-1049681027) ## Research topics - [Health Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?query=%22%5C%22Health+Services%5C%22%22) ## Related publications [View all publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?verticalKey=research_publication) - Publication ### [Quality management and perceptions of teamwork and safety climate in European hospitals.](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/qual-mgmt-teamwork-safety-european-hospitals-1055312928) Kristensen S, Hammer A, Bartels P, Suñol R, Groene O, Thompson CA, Arah OA, Kutaj-Wasikowska H, Michel P, Wagner C. 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Qual Manag Health Care. 27(1):17-23. doi: 10.1097/QMH.0000000000000158. 2018 Jan 01 [View all publications](https://www.sutterhealth.org/research-search-results?verticalKey=research_publication) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/changes-in-healthcare-utilization-for-weight-loss-1055312948#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Research","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Research publications","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Changes in healthcare utilization for weight loss"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalScholarlyArticle","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/research/publications/changes-in-healthcare-utilization-for-weight-loss-1055312948#medicalscholarlyarticle","name":"Changes in healthcare utilization after lifestyle intervention for weight loss","headline":"Changes in healthcare utilization for weight loss","abstract":"Introduction: This study evaluates the real-world impact of a lifestyle change program (LCP) on healthcare utilization in a large health system. Methods: Using electronic health record (EHR) data from a large health system in northern California, United States, LCP participant and propensity-score-matched non-participant outcomes were compared in the second year post-participation: (1) overall healthcare utilization, and (2) utilization and medications related to cardiometabolic conditions and obesity. Adult LCP participants between 2010-2017 were identified and matched 1:1 with replacement to comparable non-participants. Participants without EHR activity in the 12-36 months before baseline, or with conditions or procedures associated with substantial weight change, were excluded. Statistical analysis and modeling were performed in 2021-22. Results: Compared to matched non-participants, LCP participants in the 12-24 months post-baseline were more likely to have specialty-care visits (+4.7%, 95% CI +1.8%,+7.6%), electronic communications (8.6%, 95% CI +5.6%,+11.7%), and urgent-care visits (+6.5%, 95% CI +3.0%,10.0%). Participants also had more office visits for cardiometabolic conditions and obesity (+1.72 visits/patient, 95% CI +1.05,+2.39). Conclusions: Compared with matched non-participants, LCP participation was associated with higher utilization of outpatient services post-participation. 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