A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of obesity

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is: (1) To describe a long-term multidisciplinary group approach to the treatment of morbidly obese persons; and (2) to present, in a preliminary report, results at three months in 30 obese women.

Design: Prospective study with evaluation at the start of therapy and after three months of therapy.

Subjects: Thirty obese women, initial mean BMI 35.3 kg/m2, age 28-67 y.

Results: Body weight decreased significantly (-6 kg) with 74% of weight loss as fat mass. This moderate decrease in body weight resulted in a significant improvement of VO2max/kg body weight. Resting metabolic rate and metabolic parameters remained unchanged. Among psychological variables, participating in the therapy resulted in a more pronounced restrained eating behaviour, an improvement of body image and a higher expression of positive feelings and actions.

Conclusion: Preliminary results of the program are encouraging. However, continuous evaluation and improvement of the program in the long-term (at least several years) are extremely important.