Abstract
BackgroundThere was an increasing trend in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities over the past decades in Malaysia. Effective intervention for obesity remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a group based lifestyle modification programme amongst obese individuals with an existing dietary counseling programme.MethodsWe recruited one hundred and ninety four overweight and obese (BMI>27.5 kg/m2) employees from a local university. They were randomly allocated to either Group Support Lifestyle Modification (GSLiM) (intervention)(n = 97) or dietary counseling (comparison)(n = 97). The GSLIM activities included self monitoring, cognitive-behaviour sessions, exercise as well as dietary change advocacy, which were conducted through seminars and group sessions over 24 weeks. The comparison group was given dietary counselling once in 12 weeks. Both groups were followed up for additional 12 weeks to check for intervention effect sustenance. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 weeks; while dietary intake, physical activities, psychological measures and quality of life measured at baseline, 24 and 36 weeks. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA repeated measures with intention to treat principle.ResultsThe participants were predominantly women with mean (standard deviation) age of 40.5 (9.3) years. A total of 19.6% of the participants in GSLiM achieved 6% weight loss compared to 4.1% in the comparison group (Risk Ratio 4.75; 95% CI: 1.68, 13.45). At 24 weeks, the retention rate was 83.5% for GSLiM and 82.5% for comparison group. GSLiM participants also achieved significant improvement in total weight self-efficacy score, negative emotions and physical discomfort subscales, MDPSS friend subscale and all domains in quality of life. Participants in the comparison group experienced reduction in negative self-thoughts.ConclusionThe GSLiM programme proved to be more effective in achieving targeted weight loss, improving weight self-efficacy, friend social support, and quality of life compared to dietary counseling.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT201104056127N1
Highlights
Malaysia has the highest combined overweight and obese prevalence among the Southeast Asian countries in 2013 [1]
We recruited one hundred and ninety four overweight and obese (BMI>27.5 kg/m2) employees from a local university. They were randomly allocated to either Group Support Lifestyle Modification (GSLiM)(n = 97) or dietary counseling(n = 97)
The GSLiM programme proved to be more effective in achieving targeted weight loss, improving weight self-efficacy, friend social support, and quality of life compared to dietary counseling
Summary
Malaysia has the highest combined overweight and obese prevalence among the Southeast Asian countries in 2013 [1]. From 1996 to 2009, the prevalence of obesity in Malaysia increased by 23.7% [2], concurrent with the obesity global pandemic. High risks groups for obesity were women, married adults, those with secondary education and unemployed or homemakers [3]. Comprehensive lifestyle modification on diet, physical activity and psychology remains as the primary intervention for obesity [10,11]. Foreword on the Group Support Lifestyle Modification (GSLiM) programme configuration and sessions. Foreword on components: psychological, diet and nutrition and physical activity. There was an increasing trend in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities over the past decades in Malaysia. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a group based lifestyle modification programme amongst obese individuals with an existing dietary counseling programme
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