A comparison of virtual and in person delivery of a full meal replacement program for obesity

Objective

Full meal replacement (FMR) Intensive Lifestyle Interventions (ILI) have been used for weight management. However, predictors of efficacy with these programs are less clear. The primary objective was to assess weight loss predictors in a community-based FMR ILI program. A secondary objective was to determine if weight loss was different between virtual and in person ILI.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study involving 234 patients who started the program between 1 January 2016 and 3 March 2021. In the 24-week program, patients spent 12 weeks on FMR and then transitioned back to food for the remainder, with weekly follow up with a physician and group sessions with a dietitian. Visits were in person prior to March 2020 and virtual afterward.

Results

Patients' average age was 47.5 years (SD = 12.0) and 73.5% were female. Average weight loss was 14.3% (SD = 6.2%). There was no significant difference in weight loss between virtual and in person programs. Patients on a Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist prior lost less weight. Other significant associations between groups were baseline Hemoglobin A1C, classes attended, as well as the age since peak weight.

Conclusion

Weight loss from virtual ILI was not significantly different from person ILI. More research is needed to determine how to best stratify care as virtual or in person using FMR programs.

Preoperative weight loss in women with obesity in gynaecologic oncology: A retrospective study

To retrospectively review the efficacy of short term supervised medical weight loss for women with obesity, body mass index (BMI ≥40 kg/m² ) in gynaecologic oncology, and the associated perioperative and pathologic outcomes. A retrospective study of a dedicated preoperative weight loss clinic for gynaecologic oncology patients from March to December 2019. Statistical analysis was performed with McNemar's test for correlated proportions, Pearson's correlation tests for continuous variables, and paired t-tests to compare means. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to determine the factors associated with weight loss over time. A P-value of <.05 was used for statistical significance. Review of cases up-graded after surgery was performed by a gynaecologic pathologist. There were a total of 49 women included in the study. The most common referral reason was endometrioid carcinoma or hyperplasia of the endometrium (77.6%). Mean initial weight was 130.2 kg, and corresponding mean BMI 48.1 kg/m² . Patients attended on average nine preoperative weight loss visits. A significant difference between initial weight and weight at surgery was demonstrated, from 129.6 to 118.0 kg (8.4% weight loss) (P < .0001). This difference persisted to their post-surgical visit, with an additional mean loss of 1.89 kg (9.4% weight loss) (P = .044). The majority (92.1%) of patients with endometrial pathology had surgical management, and of these 85.7% were minimally invasive. Preoperative weight loss is a feasible option in gynaecologic oncology patients. Greater understanding of clinical significance, follow-up, and ideal target population for this intervention is needed.