Interest of pronostic score for optimal clinical management of obese patients

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to identify key factors favoring weight regain. Therefore, prognostic factors for weight loss and regain have been retrieved and identified among 186 obese patients (40 +/- 2 y and 34 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2)) through the use of a simple questionnaire which considered psychological issues such as depression, anxiety and the patient's individual capacity to follow a diet. All patients have been prescribed a low-calorie diet (1200 kcal/day) being either balanced, food-combining or low-CHO. Follow-up averaged 6.4 +/- 0.3 months of which weight loss accounted for 4.4 +/- 0.1 months. Weight loss was similar in all 3 groups and averaged 6.0 +/- 0.2 kg. The final weight loss and weight regain results have been identical for the 3 groups. A high/bad prognostic score rating is associated with weight regain (P<0.02). Weight regain is significantly influenced by the initial weight loss speed (P<0.0001). The proposed prognostic score is likely to be helpful for clinicians better to profile the therapeutic approach to individualized obesity management and follow-up. Diet composition does not influence either weight loss or weight regain.