Effect of a 12-week weight management program on the clinical characteristics and dietary intake of the young obese and the contributing factors to the successful weight loss

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate the effect of a 12-wk intervention with behavioral modification on clinical characteristics and dietary intakes of young and otherwise healthy obese and to identify factors for successful weight loss. The goal was to lose 0.5 kg per week by reducing 300-500 kcal/day and by increasing physical activities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty four obese subjects (BMI > 25) and 19 normal weight subjects (BMI 18.5-23) finished the 12-week intervention. Obese subjects participated in 5 group educations and 6 individual counseling sessions. Normal weight subjects attended 6 individual counseling sessions for evaluations of dietary intake and exercise pattern. Anthropometric and clinical characteristics and 3-day dietary records were evaluated at baseline and week12. RESULTS: Weight and serum triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations in obese group decreased significantly with intervention. Intakes of energy, fat, and cholesterol decreased significantly in the obese. Active participation, realistic weight loss goal setting, and weight gain after high school graduation not during childhood were identified as key factors for successful weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week intervention with behavioral modification resulted in reduced energy and fat intakes and led to significant weight loss and improvements of clinical characteristics in the obese. The finding that those who became obese during childhood lost less weight indicates the importance of 'early' intervention.

Comparison of the dietary intake and clinical characteristics of obese and normal weight adults

Obesity contributes to an increased risk for chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. The prevalence of obesity has increased in Korea. We compared the clinical and dietary characteristics of obese adults (n = 30, 17 men and 13 women, mean age 29.9) to those with a normal weight (n = 15, 8 men and 7 women, mean age 26.5). We determined lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood pressure, and serum free fatty acid (FFA). Dietary intake was estimated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and a 3-day dietary record. Exercise patterns and average alcohol intake were determined. The average body mass index was 28.3 kg/m2 in the obese and 21.2 kg/m2 in the normal weight groups. The obese group had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, lower levels of HDL cholesterol, and higher blood pressures compared to the normal weight group. FBS was not significantly different between the two groups. The obese group had significantly more subjects with metabolic syndrome (26.7%) compared to the normal weight group (0%). Serum FFA levels tended to be higher in the obese (P = 0.087). No significant difference in caloric intake was observed between the two groups. No differences in carbohydrate, protein, or fat intake between two groups were observed from the FFQ. However, results from the 3-day dietary record showed that the percentage of energy from fat was significantly higher in the obese group. The frequency and amount of exercise did not differ between the two groups. Alcohol consumed per drinking episode was significantly higher in the obese group. These results confirm that excessive weight is associated with disturbances in lipid metabolism in these fairly young and otherwise healthy adults. Dietary factors, including higher fat intake and alcohol consumption, seem to be contributing to the obesity of these subjects.

A Case of Plummer-Vinson Syndrome / 영남의대학술지

Plummer-Vinson syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by dysphagia, iron deficiency anemia, cheilosis, glossitis, and cervical esophageal web, especially in middle aged women. Recently, the authors experienced a case of Plummer-Vinson syndrome. A 53-year-old female was admitted due to intermittent solid food dysphagia for 18 months. She had a 2 years history of iron deficiency anemia. On admission glossitis, fissures at the angle of the mouth, spoon nails, and iron deficiency anemia were noted. Esophagogram and esophagoscopic examination revealed thin walled concentric web at upper esophagus. Esophageal web was succefully teared by endoscopic balloon dilatation with subseguant improvement of dysphagia. Skin manifestations as well as anemia were markedly improved after oral iron replacement therapy.