Research paper
Gorin AA, Wing RR, Fava JL, Jakicic JM, Jeffery R, West DS, Brelje K, Dilillo VG; Look AHEAD Home Environment Research Group. Weight loss treatment influences untreated spouses and the home environment: evidence of a ripple effect. International Journal of Obesity. 2008;32(11):1678-1684. doi:10.1038/ijo.2008.150
Why we cite it
First study to document that behavioral weight loss treatment delivered to one spouse produces clinically significant measured weight loss in the untreated spouse. Uses data from the Look AHEAD trial — a large, rigorous diabetes prevention study — to show that changes spread through shared home food environments and behavioral modeling. Demonstrates that the true reach of weight loss interventions extends beyond the individual participant, a finding with implications for cost-effectiveness and public health.