OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a significant public health problem that is affecting people and their pets. The human-companion animal bond and the role of pets in providing social support provides a rationale framework for studying the effectiveness of a combined people and pets (PP) exercising together (PPET) weight loss program. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-six pairs of overweight or obese people with an obese pet (PP) and 56 overweight or obese people only (PO) participated in a 1-year prospective controlled weight loss study. In a group format, people received dietary and physical activity counseling, and dogs were fed a calorie-controlled prescription diet. Physical activity was recorded using the physical activity recall questionnaire. RESULTS: Completion rates at 1 year were 61% for the PP group and 58% for the PO group. Mean weight losses at 12 months using last observation carried forward were 4.7% (PP) and 5.2% (PO). Mean weight loss among the dogs was 15%. Time spent in physical activity increased in both groups to 3.9 (PP) and 3.5 (PO) h/wk. Two-thirds of total physical activity in the PP group was spent with the dogs. DISCUSSION: The PPET study is the first program to demonstrate the effectiveness of a combined PP weight loss program. This fresh approach to the dual obesity epidemic builds on the human-companion animal bond. Consideration of social support for weight loss of family members, friends, and coworkers should be extended to include pets.
OBJECTIVE:Obesity is a significant public health problem that is affecting people and their pets. The human-companion animal bond and the role of pets in providing social support provides a rationale framework for studying the effectiveness of a combined people and pets (PP) exercising together (PPET) weight loss program. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Thirty-six pairs of overweight or obesepeople with an obese pet (PP) and 56 overweight or obesepeople only (PO) participated in a 1-year prospective controlled weight loss study. In a group format, people received dietary and physical activity counseling, and dogs were fed a calorie-controlled prescription diet. Physical activity was recorded using the physical activity recall questionnaire. RESULTS: Completion rates at 1 year were 61% for the PP group and 58% for the PO group. Mean weight losses at 12 months using last observation carried forward were 4.7% (PP) and 5.2% (PO). Mean weight loss among the dogs was 15%. Time spent in physical activity increased in both groups to 3.9 (PP) and 3.5 (PO) h/wk. Two-thirds of total physical activity in the PP group was spent with the dogs. DISCUSSION: The PPET study is the first program to demonstrate the effectiveness of a combined PP weight loss program. This fresh approach to the dual obesity epidemic builds on the human-companion animal bond. Consideration of social support for weight loss of family members, friends, and coworkers should be extended to include pets.
Authors: Jesus Soares; Jacqueline N Epping; Chantelle J Owens; David R Brown; Tina J Lankford; Eduardo J Simoes; Carl J Caspersen Journal: J Phys Act Health Date: 2015-06-16
Authors: Hayley Christian; Adrian Bauman; Jacqueline N Epping; Glenn N Levine; Gavin McCormack; Ryan E Rhodes; Elizabeth Richards; Melanie Rock; Carri Westgarth Journal: Am J Lifestyle Med Date: 2016-04-17
Authors: Philippa S Yam; Ryan Morrison; Viki Penpraze; Carri Westgarth; Dianne S Ward; Nanette Mutrie; Pippa Hutchison; David Young; John J Reilly Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-03-19 Impact factor: 3.295