Abstracts / Posters
Delivery of Low Energy Liquid Diets, by Counterweight, within routine UK primary care: a feasibility study
Obesity Reviews 12 (Suppl 1) (2011) 276-277
Lean MEJ, Brosnahan N, Mackenzie M, McLoone P, Morrison D, Sloan W, McCombie L.
Aims: This study explored the feasibility of using Low-Energy-Liquid-Diets (LELDs) to generate weight-losses ≥15kg as recommended for severe obesity, within routine primary care.
Methods: Patients with BMI ≥40kg/m2 commenced micronutrient-replete 810kcal/day LELDs for a planned 12-weeks/20kg weight-loss, (whichever sooner), followed by food reintroduction for a long-term weight-maintenance programme (not reported here). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 7nurses/dietitians who administered diets and 15 patients.
Results: 91 patients (mean 130kg, BMI 47.8 kg/m2, 46 years, 75 women) commenced LELDs (83-commercial, 2-'home-made’ alternative and 6-both). Of these, 35 (38%) stopped participating before completing the LELD phase (21 before, 14 after, 8 weeks; mean(SD) with weight–losses 2.8(2.1)kg and 10.2(4.7)kg respectively). For the remaining 56 patients (mean baseline weight 134.6kg), median LELD duration until food reintroduction was 12.8 weeks (range 4.3-20.7 weeks), with mean weight-loss 17.4(5.7)kg. The 5 (9%) patients who lost ≤5kg in the first 4 weeks had a mean weight–loss of 10.7kg at food reintroduction, compared to 18.1 kg for those 51 (91%) who lost >5kg at 4 weeks. 37 and 16 achieved 15kg and 20kg loss by 12 weeks (median 11.9 and 10.9). Qualitative research identified no barriers to delivering LELD, some social issues which limit patient-acceptability of LELD, and frequent reluctance to stopping LELD and commencing the maintenance phase.
Conclusions: A >15kg weight loss is achievable by about half of severely obese patients commencing LELDs within routine primary care. Results might be improved with greater support for social situations and better preparation to accept the need for long-term maintenance.
Funding: Professor Lean has received departmental research funding from Cambridge Weight Plan (Cambridge Manufacturing Ltd) and funding for conference attendance.