[Clinical, metabolic and hormonal changes in patients with obesity on low-calorie diet therapy]

Low-calorie diet therapy (LCDT) was used to treat obesity in 74 females aged 18-49 in four regimens: short-term (up to 7 days), of middle duration (10-14 days), long-term (up to 21-24 days) and fractionated. Middle duration of LCDT proved most favourable. Long-term fasting may bring unstable effects or complications. LCDT results in electrolyte unbalance, hypokalemia, hypokaligestia. Relevant correction is necessary on the diet day 5-6. Red cell count, blood levels of sugar and protein, lipidogram, nitrogenous metabolism, coagulation activity changed insignificantly. Obese patients on LCDT exhibited reduced hyperinsulinism responsible for body mass decrease, hyperproduction of hydrocortisone and prolactin enhancing fat synthesis. They also developed T3-hypothyrosis reducing thermogenesis. The changes in the body mass depended on these factors.