Diet Support in Obesity Treatment
Weight Study Aim
To determine whether 12 initial weeks on a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD)
included in a two-year support program is associated with better long
term weight loss maintenance than a dietary and behavioural support program
alone. Additionally, to identify characteristics associated with successful
treatment or attrition, which can be used in selecting individuals likely
to respond to VLCD-programs. Subjects included 113 obese men and women
aged 37-58 y, body mass index (BMI) > 32.0 kg/m2, participating in
the Swedish Obese Subjects-(SOS) study.
Weight Study Results
Both treatment groups maintained highly significant weight losses at two
years but the initial VLCD-treatment appeared to have given no significant
long term benefit compared to the supportive program. Examination of selected
demographic, psychosocial and dietary characteristics showed that the
VLCD-approach was more effective than the supportive strategy alone in
men and possibly in individuals sharing household with only one person.
High initial hunger-score was associated with attrition, irrespective
of treatment.
Weight Study Conclusion
A VLCD-program including long term dietary and behavioural support is
a successful treatment for some severely obese subjects, especially men.
Further research should be directed towards matching treatments to individuals
in order to improve the high recidivism rates generally following weight
loss attempts.
Source: Torgerson JS, Lissner L, Lindroos
AK, Kruijer H, Sjostrom L. Department of Medicine, Sahlgrenska University
Hospital, Goteborg, Sweden. 1997
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