Lublin Comorbidity of Adiposity Study (LUCAS 1.0 BMI) - quantifying the success of a region-wide overweight and obesity treatment program: a retrospective real‑world data analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity has emerged as a global health epidemic, which carries significant implications for both individual health and healthcare systems worldwide. Numerous reports have shown the health advantages associated with a 5-10% reduction of one's initial body weight, but it remains unclear whether the data from clinical trials translate to real-world clinical practice. In our retrospective analysis, we evaluated the effectiveness of a multifactorial obesity treatment, including pharmacotherapy, in Polish conditions. The objective was to assess the efficacy of this multimodal treatment in achieving a 5-10% weight reduction over 3-6 months.

Material and methods: The patient cohort included 1114 adults: 243 (22%) men and 871 (78%) women, aged 16-80 years, diagnosed with obesity and overweight in a team-based obesity treatment program with one-day-stay admissions. Each patient underwent a tailored multifactorial obesity treatment regimen, which incorporated dietary adjustments, physical activity, psychological support, and pharmacotherapy.

Results: Weight reduction was observed in 868 (78%) patients. Of these, 635 (57%) achieved a 5% weight reduction, and 379 (34%) achieved a 10% reduction. No significant gender differences were found in weight reduction. Unlike clinical trials, weight reduction was similar between those receiving only behavioral treatment and those also on medication. The profile of a good responder in real-world conditions included high adherence to recommendations and follow-up visits, and absence of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that obesity can be effectively managed through individualized multimodal treatment. Nonetheless, this process demands sustained effort and necessitates individualized therapy overseen by a multidisciplinary therapeutic team.