August 30, 2007 (Insidermedicine) Weight loss programs involving lifestyle or drug interventions are usually not successful for people who are severely obese. But a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that intensive behavior therapy can help these patients lose at least 100 pounds, and help them maintain their weight long-term.

This is what we already know about obesity and weight loss:
•    The rate of adult obesity has doubled in the past 20 years and tripled in children, affecting an estimated 30% of the US population
•    Obesity has many long term health risks, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer
•    Weight loss surgery can successful, but it is relatively expensive and risky. Low-energy diets have been used successfully to treat some severely obese patients, but there is limited information on long-term success

In the present study, more than 650 severely obese patients were enrolled in a weight-management program. The intervention included low-energy meal replacement shakes and entrees, weekly classes, medical supervision, and training in record keeping and physical activity. All of the patients attended classes for 12 weeks and then ongoing classes until their target weight was reached.

One in four patients lost 100 pounds in three months, with an average weight loss of 134 pounds at 44 weeks and a maintained weight loss of 66 pounds at three and a half years. Sixty-six per cent were able to stop taking medications, with a cost savings of $100 a month.

Overall, 64% of the patients lost more than half their weight using only shakes for meal replacement and walking at least seven miles a week, and 21 miles by week 40. Most of the patients participated actively for 18 months and most returned for more treatment during the five-year follow-up.

If you are obese and would like to lose weight, speak to your doctor about joining a medically-supervised weight-loss program.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.