Clinical Evaluation of Weight Loss Diet on Adiposity Markers and Subcutaneous Fat in Obese Dogs

Abstract

Background: This clinical study was conducted in thirteen apparently healthy overweight/obese dogs during the period 2018-19. The study involved nutritional interventions such as feeding of high protein and low fat diet and increased physical activity for these dogs, so as to assess effect of these interventions on adiposity markers and subcutaneous fat in obese dogs. Methods: The prescribed weight loss diet consisted of high crude protein (%), crude fibre (%) and reduced fat (%) compared to the mean values of pre-weight loss diets. The study was conducted over a span of 12 weeks and various hemato-biochemical parameters, adiposity markers and subcutaneous fat thickness were measured on 0, 30, 60 and 90 days. Result: Dogs included in this study showed reduction of an average of 9% of their body weight. Significant (P less than 0.05) difference was observed in mean values of Body Condition Score at day 60, from day 30 and this difference persisted until day 90, when compared with day 0 of treatment. Serum cholesterol and leptin concentrations were markedly reduced at the end of weight loss period. Decreased thickness of subcutaneous fat by real time ultrasonography was observed from day 0 to day 90 in five anatomical locations i.e. abdomen, mid abdomen, 9 Inter Costal Space, thigh and lumbar.