OBJECTIVE: To examine the long term (1-2 year), as well as immediate effectiveness of a "waist loss' programme for men. DESIGN: Two preliminary studies are reported; one following a small group of 42 men over two years after a 6 week "GutBuster' course, the second following men for 1 year after having completed the initial 6 week programme (n = 83), or the initial course plus an additional six fortnightly "advanced' course (n = 37). MEASUREMENTS: Waist, hip and weight measures were reported for the 2 year group; waist and hip only in study 2. Dietary fat, exercise and alcohol intake were also recorded in study 2 through the use of questionnaires. The goal for the initial course was a 1% waist loss per week. RESULTS: All groups achieved an average waist loss > 1%/week during the initial programme. Waist sizes reported in study 1 were significantly less after 2 years (t = 8.28, p < 0.001) averaging a 6% loss in the group. This equated with an average weight loss of 5.5 kg. A repeated measures ANOVA also showed a significant main effect (F = 85.35; p < 0.0001) for waist losses and an interaction effect (F = 16.53; p < 0.0001) between initial and advanced groups after 1 year in study 2. Average waist losses were 4% and 10% respectively. There were also significant changes in dietary fat intake, exercise and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Reductions in waist size in men appear to be more feasible than weight losses in women. "Waist loss' may also be a more valid measure of fat loss in men that body mass measures.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the long term (1-2 year), as well as immediate effectiveness of a "waist loss' programme for men. DESIGN: Two preliminary studies are reported; one following a small group of 42 men over two years after a 6 week "GutBuster' course, the second following men for 1 year after having completed the initial 6 week programme (n = 83), or the initial course plus an additional six fortnightly "advanced' course (n = 37). MEASUREMENTS: Waist, hip and weight measures were reported for the 2 year group; waist and hip only in study 2. Dietary fat, exercise and alcohol intake were also recorded in study 2 through the use of questionnaires. The goal for the initial course was a 1% waist loss per week. RESULTS: All groups achieved an average waist loss > 1%/week during the initial programme. Waist sizes reported in study 1 were significantly less after 2 years (t = 8.28, p < 0.001) averaging a 6% loss in the group. This equated with an average weight loss of 5.5 kg. A repeated measures ANOVA also showed a significant main effect (F = 85.35; p < 0.0001) for waist losses and an interaction effect (F = 16.53; p < 0.0001) between initial and advanced groups after 1 year in study 2. Average waist losses were 4% and 10% respectively. There were also significant changes in dietary fat intake, exercise and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Reductions in waist size in men appear to be more feasible than weight losses in women. "Waist loss' may also be a more valid measure of fat loss in men that body mass measures.
Authors: Philip J Morgan; Clare E Collins; Ronald C Plotnikoff; Patrick McElduff; Tracy Burrows; Janet M Warren; Myles D Young; Nina Berry; Kristen L Saunders; Elroy J Aguiar; Robin Callister Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2010-11-16 Impact factor: 3.295