Family Physician-Led Group Visits for Lifestyle Modification in Women with Weight Problems: A Pilot Intervention and Follow-Up Study


TUNAY M., KURDAK H., ÖZCAN S., ÖZDEMİR Ç., Özer Z. Y.

OBESITY FACTS, vol.11, no.1, pp.1-14, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 11 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000486133
  • Journal Name: OBESITY FACTS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-14
  • Keywords: Obesity management, Group medical visits, Family physician, CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK-FACTORS, BODY-MASS INDEX, TO-HEIGHT RATIO, QUALITY-OF-LIFE, GENERAL-PRACTICE, SCREENING TOOL, HEALTH-CARE, OBESITY, EXERCISE, OVERWEIGHT
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Objective: Lifestyle modification requires extensive information sharing and counseling. However, one-on-one primary care consultations are lacking to cover all necessary components due to time constraints. This preliminary study aims to investigate the feasibility and effects of lifestyle-changing intervention by family physician-led group visits (GVs) on weight management in overweight and obese women. Methods: 60 volunteers fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Baseline and 6th month assessments consisted of anthropometric measurements, SF-36 Health Survey, blood variables, exercise test, and resting metabolic rate. Weight maintenance was controlled at the 12th month. Results: Although weight loss among participants varied, the mean body weights were significantly decreased by 8.2% in full-attenders (n = 30). A significant increase in HDL-cholesterol and decreases in heart rate and blood pressure were found. SF-36 summary scales were significantly improved. Weight change was moderately correlated with exercise duration, compliance to diet, and baseline mental component score. It was determined that 62.5% of the participants either lost or maintained body weight at the 12th month. Conclusion: Significant weight loss and quality of life improvement was achieved in this pilot study. GVs may be a promising alternative to primary care consultations for obesity management; however, the high dropout level and diverse outcomes need further assessment. (C) 2018 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg