Practical Application of a Comprehensive Weight Management Program in Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

This paper examines weight loss outcomes and their impact on risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome following participation in OPTIFAST®, a comprehensive weight-management program. A multicenter, retrospective chart review of 153 patients enrolled in the OPTIFAST program was conducted. Change in weight, body mass index, percent weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors were compared between patients with and without metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome at baseline lost 21.6 ± 10.0 kg compared to 20.4 ± 9.2 kg for patients without metabolic syndrome (p > 0.05). Mean reduction in body mass index was 7.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2 and 7.1 ± 3.0 kg/ m2, and mean percent weight loss was 16.7 ± 6.9% and 17.6 ± 6.9%, respectively (p > 0.05). Metabolic syndrome patients had significantly greater reductions in triglycerides (p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). The proportion of metabolic syndrome patients at program completion (41/87 (47%)) was significantly less than the proportion of metabolic syndrome patients at baseline (51/87 (59%); p < 0.0001). Patients with and without metabolic syndrome achieved significant weight loss and similar declines in body weight, body mass index and percent weight change. Significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors, including meaningful reductions in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome within the study population were observed.