[Health-related quality of life during a clinical behavior weight loss intervention therapy]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a multidisciplinary, behavioural obesity treatment program on weight management, physical improvements and health-related quality of life.

The participants counted 47 women aged 20-60 years. The measurement period was from October 2007-July 2009 and a median time between measurements was six months.

height (cm), weight (kg), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), cycle ergometer fitness test (w/kg), electrocardiogram, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), blood pressure (mmHg) and heart rate (bpm). Different dimensions of mental and physical health were assessed using validated questionnaires: SF-36v2TM of health-related quality of life, OP scale of psychosocial functioning in the obese, BAI anxiety inventory scale and BDI-II depression inventory scale.

BMI decreased on average by 3.9 kg/m2 (p<0.001). The total maximum output (watts) during the fitness test increased on average by 12% (p<0.001), fitness (w/kg) increased by 21% (p<0.001) and VO2max (ml/kg/min) by 18% (p<0.001). A decrease was noted in blood pressure as well as resting heart rate (p<0.05) at the end of the program. The results from the questionnaires showed improvements in quality of life and psychological well being (p<0.001).

These results highlight the importance of comprehensive weight management and emphasize the importance of permanent lifestyle changes for the patients.

Obesity, women, behavior therapy, ergometric.