By Helen Davies, Senior Medical Writer, Diabetes on the Net
Researchers evaluated 129 obese patients with diabetes enrolled in the Why WAIT (Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment) programme. This 12-week programme included adjustments to medication, advice on diet and exercise, cognitive-behavioural intervention, group intervention and monthly support sessions.
After 1 year, participants were divided into those who maintained <7% weight loss (group A; n=61) and those who maintained ≥7% weight loss (group B; n=68).
The mean weight loss across the total cohort was 10.8 kg (−9.7%) at 12 weeks and 7.3 kg (−6.4%) at 5 years. At 5 years, mean weight loss was 3.8 kg (−3.5%) for group A and 10.5 kg (−9%) for group B.
In group A, mean HbA1c decreased from 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) at baseline to 50 mmol/mol (6.7%) at 12 weeks, before increasing to 61 mmol/mol (7.7%) at 1 year and 64 mmol/mol (8.0%) at 5 years. In group B, mean HbA1c decreased from 57 mmol/mol (7.4%) at baseline to 46 mmol/mol (6.4%) at 12 weeks, before rising to 51 mmol/mol (6.8%) at 1 year and 56 mmol/mol (7.3%) at 5 years.
Despite weight regain, group A maintained improvement in LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, with worsening of serum triglycerides and no change in blood pressure (BP). Group B maintained improvement in lipid profile for 5 years and had significantly lower BP for 18 months.
The authors conclude that weight reduction in people with diabetes can be maintained for 5 years and is predicted by the ability to maintain ≥7% weight loss at 1 year. HbA1c and triglycerides deteriorate with weight regain, while other lipid improvements are maintained. Sustained weight loss is associated with significantly lower HbA1c for 5 years and lower BP for 18 months.
The article can be read in full here.
