Table 1 ADA-adapted system for grading reviewed studies.
From: The Impact of Regular Self-weighing on Weight Management: A Systematic Literature Review
EVIDENCE GRADE | DEFINITION | STRENGTH RECOMMENDATION | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
A | 1. Clear evidence from well-conducted, generalizeable, randomized-controlled trials that are adequately powered, including: | 1 | Substantial benefit to persons at-risk |
|  |    a. evidence from a multi-center trial |  |  |
|  |    b. evidence from a meta-analysis |  |  |
| Â | 2. Supportive evidence from well-conducted, randomized-controlled trials that are adequately powered, including: | Â | Â |
|  |    a. evidence from a trial at one or more institutions |  |  |
|  |    b. evidence from a meta-analysis |  |  |
B | 3. Supportive evidence from well-conducted cohort studies, including: | 2 | Moderate benefit to persons at-risk |
|  |    a. evidence from a prospective cohort study |  |  |
|  |    b. evidence from a prospective registry |  |  |
|  |    c. evidence from a meta-analysis of cohort studies |  |  |
| Â | 4. Supportive evidence from well-conducted case-control studies | Â | Â |
C | 5. Supportive evidence from poorly controlled or uncontrolled studies, including: | 3 | Uncertain benefit to persons at-risk |
|  |    a. evidence from randomized clinical trials with one or more major or three or more minor methodological flaws that could confound results |  |  |
|  |    b. evidence from observational studies with high potential for bias |  |  |
|  |    c. evidence from case series or case reports |  |  |
| Â | 6. Conflicting results with the weight of the evidence supporting the recommendation | Â | Â |
| Â | 7. Expert consensus or clinical experience without support from research studies | Â | Â |