- Objective: We checked whether the hypothesis of providing a facility to exercise and giving a simplified diet based on glycemic index could cause any benefit to the management of our obese female patients. Material and Methods: 146 female obese patients (Body Mass Index, BMI ? 30) were enrolled into the study. Patients were randomized into four groups according to the therapy they received: "simple exercise prescription + dietician consultation" (Gr 1), "simple exercise prescription + modified glycemic diet reommended by the family physician" (Gr 2), "observed exercise in the fitness center + dietician consultation" (Gr 3), and "observed exercise in the fitness center + modified glycemic diet reommended by the family physician" (Gr 4). Patients were followed up for six months. Bivariate comparisons and linear regression tests were used for statistical analysis. The main outcome measured was change in the BMI values at the end of six months. Results: All groups had significantObjective: We checked whether the hypothesis of providing a facility to exercise and giving a simplified diet based on glycemic index could cause any benefit to the management of our obese female patients. Material and Methods: 146 female obese patients (Body Mass Index, BMI ? 30) were enrolled into the study. Patients were randomized into four groups according to the therapy they received: "simple exercise prescription + dietician consultation" (Gr 1), "simple exercise prescription + modified glycemic diet reommended by the family physician" (Gr 2), "observed exercise in the fitness center + dietician consultation" (Gr 3), and "observed exercise in the fitness center + modified glycemic diet reommended by the family physician" (Gr 4). Patients were followed up for six months. Bivariate comparisons and linear regression tests were used for statistical analysis. The main outcome measured was change in the BMI values at the end of six months. Results: All groups had significant decreases in BMI values at the end of study, Gr 3 having the highest decrease (mean 1.88 kg/m2). Bivariate comparisons showed a significant difference in the BMI changes with regard to the exercise group and motivation to lose weight. In the linear regression analysis however, only exercise was significantly associated with weight loss. Conclusion: A combination of exercise type under supervision and dietician consultation proved to be most effective in weight loss. Providing fitness opportunities to obese patients and inclusion of a dietician in the family practice team will be beneficial in the management of female obesity.…
