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Cost-effectiveness of the ReDIRECT/counterweight-plus weight management programme to alleviate symptoms of long COVID

Author

Listed:
  • Heather L. Fraser

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Laura Haag

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Naomi Brosnahan

    (University of Glasgow
    Counterweight Ltd)

  • Alex McConnachie

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Janice Richardson

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Caroline E. Haig

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Tracy Ibbotson

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Jane Ormerod

    (Long Covid Scotland)

  • Catherine A. O’Donnell

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Michael E. J. Lean

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Naveed Sattar

    (University of Glasgow)

  • David N. Blane

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Emilie Combet

    (University of Glasgow)

  • Emma McIntosh

    (University of Glasgow)

Abstract

Long-term effects of COVID-19 infection, termed Long COVID (LC), are associated with reduced quality of life. Symptoms associated with overweight/obesity overlap with and may aggravate those of LC. This paper reports the economic evaluation alongside the ReDIRECT Trial, which evaluated the impact of an evidence-based, remotely-delivered weight management programme on self-reported symptoms of LC in those living with overweight/obesity in the United Kingdom. Recruited participants (n = 234) were randomly allocated to the intervention group (weight management) or control group (usual care). Incremental costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) were calculated using intervention cost, healthcare resource use and EQ-5D-5L data collected at baseline, three and 6 months. In this work, we show that the ReDIRECT intervention is likely cost-effective in improving LC symptoms from an NHS/PSS perspective, compared to usual care (Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio of £14,754/QALY). Adopting a broader societal perspective, the intervention becomes potentially cost saving compared to usual care.

Suggested Citation

  • Heather L. Fraser & Laura Haag & Naomi Brosnahan & Alex McConnachie & Janice Richardson & Caroline E. Haig & Tracy Ibbotson & Jane Ormerod & Catherine A. O’Donnell & Michael E. J. Lean & Naveed Sattar, 2025. "Cost-effectiveness of the ReDIRECT/counterweight-plus weight management programme to alleviate symptoms of long COVID," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59909-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59909-6
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