One year weight loss in the TRAMOMTANA study. A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Obesity Research
• Metabolic Health
• Clinical Interventions

Background:

• Morbid obesity presents a significant global health challenge.
• Bariatric surgery is the most effective current treatment for morbid obesity-induced weight loss.
• This study investigates a non-surgical Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI) for morbid obesity management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the 1-year efficacy of Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI) versus conventional obesity therapy (COT) in morbidly obese patients.
• To assess changes in weight and metabolic parameters following ILI.
• To compare ILI outcomes with COT and a bariatric surgery waiting list group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial comparing ILI (behavioral therapy, nutritional/physical activity counseling) with COT.
• Participants were assigned to ILI (n=60), COT (n=46), or a bariatric surgery waiting list (n=37).
• Primary outcome measured was body weight change over 12 months.

Main Results:

• ILI resulted in significantly greater weight loss (-11.58%) compared to COT (-0.4%) (P < 0.001).
• After 6 months, 31.4% of ILI patients were no longer classified as morbidly obese.
• This non-surgical weight loss continued, with 42.8% achieving non-morbidly obese status after 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (ILI) demonstrates significant weight loss efficacy in morbidly obese patients compared to conventional therapy.
• The benefits of ILI were evident as early as 6 months, questioning the sole reliance on conventional approaches.
• ILI programs in hospital settings show promise for effectively managing morbid obesity and potentially reducing bariatric surgery demand.