[Effect of a follow-up action in diet instruction]

Efficacy of diet-counseling was analyzed in 349 adipose patients, (140 men and 209 women.) The patients were guided in a specialized consultation service by diet-assistants. A daily caloric intake of 1200 calories was usually recommended. Mean observation time was 14.6 months in women, 15.4 months in men. After completion all patients were invited for a single check-up. 72.9% of the men and 81.4% of the women participated. Mean weight reduction during counseling amounted to 6.7 kg for men (n = 127) and 4.8 kg for women (n = 191). Blood pressure fell from 145/95 to 130/90 in men and from 140/92 to 135/88 in women. At the time of the follow-up visit a further reduction in body weight and blood pressure was noted in both sexes. Analysis of further factors disclosed a better performance of non-smokers vs. smokers and a higher frequency of consultations demanded by women. Treatment by diet-consulting is thus effective and its success persists after termination of the guidance by the diet assistant. A drop-out rate of 25% has to be accepted.