Morbid obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. A weight reduction of 5-10% is considered a great health benefit. However, no sufficient documentation exists today on the long-term effects of outpatient treatment of obesity. This study aims to improve health parameters in morbidly obese patients in a 2 year treatment study under medical supervision in group environment.
In a multidisciplinary outpatient treatment program, 141 patients were in writing informed about the program, and 69 morbidly obese patients ((BMI>40kg/m2 or BMI>35kg/m2 with comorbidities) (18-65 years)) agreed to participate and were non-randomly enrolled in a retrospective cohort study at Innlandet Hospital Trust (Kongsvinger division) in May 2010. The patients were observed retrospectively for a 2-year period from 2007 till 2009. The intervention program in the cohort consisted of group therapy and individual interviews with guidance on physical activity, diet, lifestyle changes and behavioral adjustments. Body weight, waist circumference and comorbidities were assessed regularly.
The treatment resulted in a 10% weight loss in average. Blood pressure and blood lipids improved. Approximately 10% of the patients obtained a weight reduction equal to patients having undergone bariatric surgery. The drop-out rate was 10%.
This study concludes that our treatment program contributes significantly to weight loss and improves metabolic risk factors.
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