Localising Structured Lifestyle Intervention for Dietary Management Success

ABSTRACT

@#The growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the parallel increase in the prevalence of obesity warrants for effective intervention strategies. Overweight/obese patients with T2DM who attempt weight reduction often face considerable challenges. A recent study in Malaysia conducted among overweight/obese patients with T2DM showed that weight reduction and improved glycaemic control could be achieved with structured lifestyle intervention and the incorporation of behavioural counselling. The structured lifestyle recommendations in this study consisted of 1) a fixed low-calorie diet plan of 1200 kcal/day for female and 1500 kcal/day for male patients; 2) incorporation of one or two servings/day of diabetes-specific formula as a meal replacement; 3) a 14-day structured meal plan consisting of the ingredients list, cooking methods and nutrition facts; and the 4) healthy low-calorie snack options. Exercise prescription of ≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity was also encouraged. Behavioural counselling such as motivational interviewing not only facilitated adherence to the lifestyle recommendations but also further enhanced weight loss and glycaemic control in these patients. This article outlines the localisation of the structured lifestyle recommendations and its effectiveness in achieving weight loss and good glycaemic control in overweight/obese patients with T2DM.