Is clinically significant weight loss leading to longer-term health benefits?

Abstract

Clinically significant weight loss (≥5%) to achieve health benefits is possible during a standard six-month dietary intervention. The impact of weight loss interventions requires ongoing assessment to ensure weight reduction translates into longer-term health gains. The aim was to examine the impact of clinically significant weight loss in obese adults on heart disease and diabetes blood markers over two years. 152 obese adults, placed on standardised energy reduction diets of 5–7.5MJ (15%P±5%, 30%F±5%, 50%CHO±5%) for six months, had fasting glucose, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Total/HDL cholesterol, weight and body composition measured at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Participants were deemed successful if had ≥5% weight loss at six and twelve months. Linear mixed models repeated measures analysis was conducted. After two years, those who lost clinically significant weight at 6 and 12 months (n=46) had similar blood results to those who did not lose clinically significant weight (n=76), even after analysis was further separated by BMI (<35kg/m2; >35kg/m2) (p>0.05). These results suggest that there is a need to review the duration of weight loss programs. Clinically significant weight loss over 12 months may not translate into longer-term health benefits, even only one year later. The prevention of weight regain through regular follow-ups over longer periods of time may be necessary for health gains to be made. Funding: Australian Postgraduate Award; William Arnott Scholarship