Outcomes and predictive factors of weight loss: an evaluative retrospective study in Tunisia

Abstract Introduction Morbid over-weight is associated with adverse health outcomes such as cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension… Obesity treatment needs special and personalized care. Moderate loss weight from 5% to 10% is beneficial for primary reduction of these disorders. Aim Identify predictive factors of weight loss of at least 5% of baseline weight and describe improvement of metabolic syndrome Methods We performed a retrospective evaluative study in Obesity Research Unit in the National Institute of Nutrition of Tunis from October 2016 to March 2018. We included adult women, whose BMI was > =30 kg/m2. Anthropometric and biological parameters were taken in the first consultation (T0). Then, adequate and personalized care (diet, physical activity, and psychological support) was received. Monthly check-ups were done to detect eventual diet errors. Evaluations were done in 3 and 6 months (T1) and (T2). We performed univariate and then, logistic regression to determine predictive factors of successful loss weight by at least 5%. Results We included 73 obese women. Mean age was 42.63 +/- 11.8 yo. One third of the patients were in menopause. At T0: 83.1% have had a weak physical activity while mean BMI was 39.98 +/- 6.47 kg/m2. Fourteen patients had had hypertriglyceridemia and 43 had hypo-HDLemia. Eighteen were hypertensive. Eighteen were diabetic. At T2: mean weight loss was 5.92 +/- 4.34 kg. Fifty-seven percent of patients have successfully lose more than 5% of their baseline weight. Mean BMI was 37.59 +/- 6.51 Kg/m2. A significant improvement of rates of cholesterol and triglycerides was found. Logistic regression found that predictive factors to weight loss were successful loss weight at 1 month, diminution of TSH hormone and augmentation of Phosphorus intake. Conclusions A large proportion of obese women may be sensitive to moderate weight loss but a further effort is necessary to maintain effective weight loss on long term. Key messages Moderate weight loss is beneficial for health. Personnalized care is required to help obese women.