Weight loss and weight loss maintenance efficacy of a novel weight loss program: The retrospective RNPC® cohort

Abstract

ObjectiveBodyweight loss is essential to lower risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in overweight patients. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of the RNPC® program for short and long term bodyweight reduction. MethodsThe RNPC® program is a novel weight loss and maintenance program achieving weight loss by an energy-restricted 800–1000 kcal/day high-protein low-glycemic diet (weight loss phase), followed by an intensive follow-up with a step-wise increase in energy intake to reach energy balance (weight stabilization phases). The analysis included 12,179 overweight or obese patients treated in 54 RNPC® weight loss clinics in France. ResultsA total of 10,809 (89%) patients completed the initial weight loss phase and 2996 (25%) completed the full program. Median weight loss percentage was 10.7% (Interquartile range [IQR]: 5.8; 16.5) after a median of 105 days (IQR: 56; 175) during the weight loss phase, and a median of 17.5% (IQR: 12.7; 24.2) after a median of 251 days (IQR: 187; 350) at program completion. ConclusionThe RNPC® program is cost-effective and well tolerated for short-term body weight loss as well as effective in the long term among the patients completing the program. The program might be particularly effective among patient with elevated fasting glucose.