Effectiveness and safety of Very Low Calory Diets in obese patients

Abstract

To evaluate effectiveness, safety and adherence of Very Low Calory Diet (VLCD) in patients with obesity. Observational prospective descriptive study. Patients with BMI >30 kg/m2 who started VLCD were included. We arranged 3 pharmacotherapeutical consultations, picking up the variables: age, sex, BMI, side effects and number of VLCD cycles. We defined effectiveness as weight loss in absolute and relative terms and weight loss rate (kg/week); safety as incidence and severity of side effects by the Pharmacovigilance Spanish System (SEFV); and adherence by a SMAQ adapted questionnaire. 29 women and 15 men were included, with a mean of 42 years. 5 patients did not complete the follow-up. Effectiveness: weight loss average was 7kg (IQR 9,5 a 5,3) and relative of 6,7%, (p < 0.0005). The weight loss rate was 1,2kg per week (IQR 1,6 a 0,9). 33% of the patients described side effects. All of them were mild (37% constipation, 16% dizziness, 12% anxiety, 5% headache, 2% gases y 2% epigastrical pain). ADHERENCE: 84% of the patients were adherent by the SMAQ adapted questionnaire: 74% in the first cycle and 92% in the following ones. The relation between the number of cycles and the adherence did not get statistical differences (p = 0,1127). Effectiveness and adherence to the treatment could improve in obese patients by setting interdisciplinary measures in the daily clinical practice.