First author, year, country | Relevant aim | Intervention | Comparison | Participants | Study length | Dropouts | Relevant outcomes assessed | Fidelity |
Bryce, 2017,23 USA | To examine the impact of a farmers’ market with fresh fruits and vegetables at reducing weight. | US$10–15/visit voucher for farmers’ market (up to four visits); maximum US$45 available across study period | Baseline | 74 participants with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, low income | 13 weeks | 12.2% (n=9) | Weight (lbs), HbA1c (%), BP (mm Hg) | 41 participants attended all four market visits, 55 participants completed the health goals sheet |
Narotzki, 2013,22 Israel | To examine the effectiveness of daily green tea and vitamin E consumption at reducing weight. | 3×1.5 g green tea per day (to be brewed in 240 mL water)+400 IU vitamin E+exercise | CON group (vitamin E placebo+exercise) | 22 participants (n=11 intervention) aged 61–80 years | 12 weeks | 0% (n=0) | Weight (kg), BP (mm Hg), HbA1c (%), blood lipid profile, waist circumference (cm) | INT: green tea 93±8.3%, vitamin E supplement 95±5.6% and exercise 88±15.6% CON: placebo supplement 94± 6.6% and exercise 92±9.3% |
Ahrens, 2003,21 USA | To examine the effectiveness of a community pharmacist-facilitated meal replacement programme at reducing weight. | 2 shakes per day for 12 weeks (INT) followed by 1 shake per day for 10 weeks (maintenance) | Baseline (CON arm did not meet review criteria due to dietitian input) | 88 participants (n=45 intervention) aged 35–65 years, BMI 25–32 kg/m2 | 12 weeks+10 weeks maintenance phase | 38.6% (n=34) | Weight (kg), BP (mm Hg), blood lipid profile, waist circumference (cm) | Assessed but NR |
Isaac, 1984,24 UK | To examine the effectiveness of a GP-facilitated meal replacement programme at reducing weight. | 3 shakes per day in place of all foods | 335 overweight or obese participants, 20–68 years | 30 days | 35.2% (n=118) | Weight (kg), BP (mm Hg), acceptability (including side effects) | 88 participants did not fully comply with the intervention |
.BMI, body mass index; BP, blood pressure; CON, control; GP, general practitioner; HbA1c, glycated haemoglobin; INT, intervention; NR, not reported.