New obesity research from Louisiana State University discussed
March 9th, 2009
2009 MAR 9 -- "Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding improved health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after weight loss. We tested the efficacy of a weight management program for improving HRQOL in overweight or obese adults diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes mellitus," investigators in the United States report.
"We conducted a randomized multisite clinical trial at 16 outpatient research centers with 2 treatment arms and blinded measurements at baseline and the end of year 1. A total of 5145 participants ( mean [SD] age, 58.7 [6.9] years; mean [ SD] body mass index [ calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared], 36.0 [5.9]; 59.5% women; 63.1% white) were randomized to an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) or to diabetes support and education (DSE). Main outcome measures included the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey physical component summary (PCS) and mental health component summary (MCS) scores and Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores. Baseline mean ( SD) scores were 47.9 (7.9) for PCS, 54.0 (8.1) for MCS, and 5.7 (5.0) for BDI-II. Improved HRQOL was demonstrated by the PCS and BDI-II scores ( P< .001) in the ILI arm compared with the DSE arm. The largest effect was observed for the PCS score (difference, -2.91; 99% confidence interval, -3.44 to -2.37). The greatest HRQOL improvement occurred in participants with the lowest baseline HRQOL levels. Mean (SD) changes in weight ( ILI, -8.77 [8.2] kg and DSE, -0.86 [5.0] kg), improved fitness, and improved physical symptoms mediated treatment effects associated with the BDI-II and PCS," wrote D.A. Williamson and colleagues, Louisiana State University.
The researchers concluded: "Overweight adults diagnosed as having type 2 diabetes experienced significant improvement in HRQOL by enrolling in a weight management program that yielded significant weight loss, improved physical fitness, and reduced physical symptoms."
Williamson and colleagues published their study in Archives of Internal Medicine (Impact of a Weight Management Program on Health-Related Quality of Life in Overweight Adults With Type 2 Diabetes. Archives of Internal Medicine, 2009;169(2):163-171).
For additional information, contact D.A. Williamson, Louisiana State University, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Health Psychology Department, 6400 Perkins Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.
The publisher of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine can be contacted at: American Medical Association, 515 N State St., Chicago, IL 60610-0946, USA.
Keywords: United States, Baton Rouge, Bariatrics, Clinical Trial Research, Depression, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, Mental Health, Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, Quality of Life, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Weight Loss, Louisiana State University.
This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
