[Effectiveness of diet therapy of obesity in women in the climacteric period]. / Skutecznosc dietetycznego leczenia otylosci u kobiet w okresie klimakterium.

Twenty-five women at the climacteric age (mean age 48.5 +/- 5.5 years) were treated for simple obesity (mean overweight 37.8%) giving them low-calorie, low-carbohydrate and low-sodium diet for 14 days. The diet was very well tolerated by the patients. The mean weight loss was 4.4 kg, with 72.7% of this loss in the first week on the diet. A considerable reduction of the activity of dopamine beta-hydroxylase were noted, indicating a decrease of the activity of the adrenergic system. At the same time the diet stimulated thyroid function, as shown by increased concentration of total thyroxine (without exceeding the normal upper range), and higher free thyroxine index. Besides that, the serum uric acid level was increased. No changes of electrolyte levels were noted. The diet was effective and well tolerated in this treatment of women in climacteric age for obesity.