Abstracts / Posters
The Impact of Weight Change on the Use of CHD Prevention Medications: The Counterweight Programme
Circulation. 2006;114:II_882
The Counterweight Project Team
Aims: To determine the impact of weight change on the use of medications for the management of secondary end points in a weight management programme
Methods: The Counterweight Project is a national multi-centre program to audit and improve obesity management in primary care. Practice nurses were upskilled and supported by specialist dietitians to deliver a structured evidence-based intervention in 54 practices in 7 UK regions. Medical records for patients followed up at 12 months were audited for medication use during the intervention program (n=681). Analyses focused on baseline raised lipids, blood pressure or fasting glucose (n=424). Effects of weight change on the likelihood of starting medications (in those not receiving medications at baseline) for secondary end points during the program were analysed.
Results: Weight loss was significantly associated with fewer drugs over the intervention period (p=0.01). There were significant impacts of 5% weight loss on patients not receiving drug intervention for management of secondary end points. In those not achieving 5% weight loss 34.7% started medications v 22.6% in those achieving 5% weight loss (p=0.014). Trends were observed between weight loss and no drug intervention for all three secondary end points, significant for hypertension.
Conclusions: Weight loss improves control of secondary end points but numerous factors are involved in the decision to commence relevant medications. This primary care program supports the argument for potential cost avoidance with a successful weight management program. However, further work is required to establish all factors involved in the initiation of drugs for the management of secondary end points.