[Effects of a one-year weight reduction program and physical activity on obesity and comorbid conditions]

Obesity prevalence is increasing all over the world. Obese patients are at increased risk for developing many medical problems, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Excess body weight is associated with substantial increase in mortality from all causes, cardiovascular diseases in particular. Weight control is part of the major health priorities identified for the future. The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of a one-year weight reduction program on obesity and its comorbid conditions and to make a model for long term weight reducing program.

Two hundred obese (ITM > 30 kg/m2) subjects, who attended a 15-day weight reduction ("Cigota") program, three times during a year, were followed up. Participants from group A strictly adhered to the prescribed regimen, while participants from group B followed their own routine of diet and physical activity. Two groups were comparable in terms of gender, age, duration of obesity, previous and concomitant diseases.

A year later, a statistically significant mean weight loss was established in both groups, but it was greater in group A (p<0.05). In both groups, all serum lipid parameters, parameters of glycemic control, as well as values of systolic and diastolic blood pressures improved. There was a further decrease in serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratio in group A. As compared to group B, group A experienced better glycemic control in diabetic and non-diabetic obese patients, and enhanced reversion from diabetes to impaired glucose tolerance or normal glucose tolerance. This study has demonstrated a well-known fact that body mass reduction is associated with a decrease in blood pressure.

Treatment of obesity can make a substantial contribution to reducing hyperlipidemia, improving glycemic control, and treating hypertension. Prevention and treatment of obesity may reduce overall morbidity and mortality in the years to come. We suggest starting with weight reducing program "Cigota" and combining it with balanced program of diet and physical activity until normalizing body weight.