Weight Loss Health Program - UK
Weight Loss Study Background
The physiotherapist-led integrated complementary health and exercise program
is for adults with severe obesity attending a Weight Management Clinic.
The study utilises both quantitative and qualitative methods, including
patients' experiences.
As one of the fastest growing public health problems in the United Kingdom,
obesity carries with it several serious health risks, disabilities and
an increased risk of premature death (NAO 2001). Eight million people
in the United Kingdom are classified as obese. When energy input and energy
expenditure match, the body is in equilibrium. Obesity represents an imbalance.
Changes in lifestyle, such as reduced physical activity are implicated.
A Merseyside Health Action Zone (HAZ) Fellowship sponsored the study.
Weight Loss Study Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate an 8-session physiotherapist-led
integrated health program. The core of this innovative program is an exercise
circuit, with additional components including complementary therapies,
relaxation, and stress management.
Weight Loss Study Method
The study used quantitative methods of evaluation: pedometers to count
steps and a subjective Health Assessment (SF36) before and after the program
which was analysed using SPSS, Excel and Access. Qualitative methods used
triangulation, and semi-structured interviews after the program to explore
patients' experiences of the program. Topological analysis was used.
Weight Loss Study Results
Forty people with severe obesity registered. They had a Body Mass Index
(BMI) average of 49 (range 36 to 83). Twenty four of the forty participants
(60 percent) completed the program. Patients benefited emotionally, socially
and physically from the exercise circuit, yoga breathing exercises, and
T'ai Chi. Reflex Therapy points on the thumb also helped some with appetite
control. In a safe supportive group environment, patients consistently
reported the value of being able to express how it actually feels to be
overweight. Highly statistically significant was the increase in stride
length, illustrated by the mean difference in stride length after the
program, and all 8 domains of the SF36 Health Assessment showed a positive
trend, of clinical significance. Of these, the improvement in Role Physical
was statistically significant.
Weight Loss Study Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the completion of an eight session integrated
program of complementary health and exercise improved the stride length,
physical mobility and well-being of people with severe obesity.
Source: National Audit Office Report (2001)
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