Improved prediction formula for total body water assessment in obese women.

OBJECTIVE: To validate an improved formula for the calculation of total body water (TBW) from impedance values in obese women. SUBJECTS: A sample of 37 overweight females BMI ranging from 29.5 to 44.1 kg/m2. MEASUREMENTS: The reference measurements for TBW were obtained by deuterium oxide dilution. Body height (h), hip circumference (C) as well as body impedance at 100 kHz (Z100) were also measured. RESULTS: The values obtained for h, C and Z100 were introduced in the calculations and the following developed formula for total body water was determined: TBW = 0.069 [hC2/(4 pi .Z100)]+19.671. The validity of this formula was assessed through the statistical test of Bland and Altman which we also performed for other formulas containing the weight and/or the height. CONCLUSION: We found that the accuracy of the prediction of TBW by our formula, although lower than those formulas using body weight, is higher than that which takes into account only body height. We conclude that body volume, expressed through body height and hip circumference, is a good choice of parameter in bioelectrical impedance measurements. The new approach can be useful in clinical settings for repeated monitoring of obese women, during diet-restricted treatment.

[Evaluation of the action of glucomannan on metabolic parameters and on the sensation of satiation in overweight and obese patients]. / Valutazione dell'attività del glucomannano su alcuin parametri metabolici e sulla sensazione di sazietà in pazienti con sovrappeso ed obesità.

The authors studied the behavior of body weight, blood glucose, total serum cholesterol, and hunger and satiety sensation in 30 patients treated for 60 days with a 1.200 kcal (5040 kj) diet plus either placebo or glucomannane. All the variables considered show that the low-calorie diet plus glucomannane is more effective than the low-calorie diet alone.

[Consumer behaviors in obesity due to overeating. The usefulness and limits of diet therapy]. / I comportamenti consumatori nell'obesità da iperalimentazione. Utilità e limiti della terapia dietetica.

Appropriate dietary prescription has still a useful place in a weight reducing program, but no such program must be prescribed before careful evaluation of the risk for psychological derangement that may be the consequence. A rational interdisciplinary approach is essential. The importance of correcting a sedentary life style must not be overlooked.

[Changes in dietary intake of obese patients treated by diet associated with d-fenfluramine]. / Modificazioni dei consumi alimentari di pazienti obese indotte dal trattamento dietetico associato a d-fenfluramina.

The object of the present research was to study the effect of dexfenfluramine (d-F) and placebo (P) on compliance with dietary treatment, especially as far as changes in kcal and macronutrient intake are concerned. A double-blind study d-F vs P was performed in 36 obese females, age range 20-59 years (mean 37.22 +/- 12.41), with a mean BMI of 33.95 +/- 5.36, suffering from obesity due to overeating without complications: Outpatient control every 30 days. The study protocol provided for a 14-month double-blind treatment with daily administration of either P (2 capsules) or d-F (two 15 mg capsules). Dietary prescription of 1200 kcal (5016 kJ) was given 15 days before enrollment (T/0) and during this period enrollment criteria were checked prior to randomization. Dietary intake was checked by a three-day recall (one working day, one half-holiday and one full holiday) in basal conditions and after 6-12 and 14 months. Administration of d-F and P brought about changes in alimentary behaviour in obese patients according to the dietary regime prescribed. In our patients, no highly significant differences between d-F and P were observed; however, the effect of P on macronutrient intake (carbohydrates, lipids and proteins) tended to peter out around the 12th month. Treatment with d-F reduced the consumption of simple carbohydrates, animal fats but not of animal proteins.

[Drugs as cause of obesity]. / I farmaci come causa dell'obesità.

A precise drug anamnesis should be obtained in all obese patients. Physicians must know which drugs are liable to cause body weight increase in order to prevent and treat obesity.

[Clinical observations on the treatment of obese patients with dexfenfluramine]. / Osservazioni cliniche sul trattamento di pazienti obesi con dexfenfluramina.

In a 12-months double-blind study 42 obese patients (5 males, 37 females) were treated either with d-fenfluramine (30 mg daily) or with placebo plus low-calorie diet (1500-1200 kcal daily). Evaluation of treatment efficacy was based on evolution of the initial cohort, weight loss, number of subjects completing treatment, tolerability and events leading to dropout. Patients receiving d-fenfluramine had statistically significant greater weight loss than the placebo group; 30 mg daily proved to be an effective and well tolerated dose of d-fenfluramine with the best long-term activity/acceptability ratio.