Madelon Minneboo1, Ron J G Peters, Karen Miller-Kovach, Jeanine Lemmens, Jeroen J J Bucx. 1. Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (Drs Minneboo and Peters); Department of Cardiology, Diakonessen Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands (Dr Bucx); and Weight Watchers International, New York (Mss Miller-Kovach and Lemmens).
Abstract
PURPOSE: To quantify the impact of a commercial weight management program on weight change in obese patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: An observational, single-center pilot study in the Netherlands. Forty-five patients diagnosed with a recent acute coronary syndrome and a body mass index of >30 kg/m2 were recruited. The commercial weight management intervention (Weight Watchers) promotes a hypoenergetic and balanced diet, increased physical activity, and group support. The program included weekly 30-minute in-hospital meetings with an experienced coach. The program was offered in parallel with a cardiac rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients completed the program. Of these patients, 32 patients (91%) decreased body weight. Mean weight change was -5.8 kg (range: +0.6 kg to -15.4 kg), and 20 patients (57%) achieved the target of 5% weight loss of their initial weight. Twenty-seven patients continued the commercial weight loss program after 14 weeks, the mean followup of these patients was 34 weeks and their mean weight change was -9.1 kg (range: 0.0-23.0 kg). CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients, discharged after an acute coronary syndrome, who were referred to a commercial weight management program, achieved significant weight loss. Although this is a nonrandomized pilot study with patients who were selected by motivation and by the ability to participate in the program, the proportion of weight loss is significant and promising.
PURPOSE: To quantify the impact of a commercial weight management program on weight change in obesepatients with coronary heart disease. METHODS: An observational, single-center pilot study in the Netherlands. Forty-five patients diagnosed with a recent acute coronary syndrome and a body mass index of >30 kg/m2 were recruited. The commercial weight management intervention (Weight Watchers) promotes a hypoenergetic and balanced diet, increased physical activity, and group support. The program included weekly 30-minute in-hospital meetings with an experienced coach. The program was offered in parallel with a cardiac rehabilitation program. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients completed the program. Of these patients, 32 patients (91%) decreased body weight. Mean weight change was -5.8 kg (range: +0.6 kg to -15.4 kg), and 20 patients (57%) achieved the target of 5% weight loss of their initial weight. Twenty-seven patients continued the commercial weight loss program after 14 weeks, the mean followup of these patients was 34 weeks and their mean weight change was -9.1 kg (range: 0.0-23.0 kg). CONCLUSIONS:Obesepatients, discharged after an acute coronary syndrome, who were referred to a commercial weight management program, achieved significant weight loss. Although this is a nonrandomized pilot study with patients who were selected by motivation and by the ability to participate in the program, the proportion of weight loss is significant and promising.
Authors: Natalia I Heredia; MinJae Lee; Kevin O Hwang; Belinda M Reininger; Maria E Fernandez; Lorna H McNeill Journal: Contemp Clin Trials Date: 2019-06-21 Impact factor: 2.226