Evaluation of a Weight Management Strategy in a Private Hospital in Accra

Abstract

Background: The high prevalence of overweight and obesity is reported to be a major contribution to the increased level of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. It has been reported that 80% of premature deaths from NCDs can be prevented through known dietary and life style interventions. A recent survey indicates that 18% of Ghanaians have been diagnosed with at least one NCD, with 45% of this number receiving dietary and life style interventions. The effectiveness of these interventions needs to be studied. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of diet and lifestyle interventions prescribed to weight loss patients who attend the diet therapy department in a private hospital in Accra. The specific objective is to evaluate the strategy adopted by the dietitian and to determine the adherence levels of participants. Methods: A partly retrospective and prospective study design was employed. Interviewer administered questionnaires were given to 70 clinically stable consenting male (15) and female (55) patients, aged 18 years and above, enrolled in weight management in a private hospital in Accra. Anthropometric data was obtained retrospectively from participant’s records at the diet therapy unit while data on adherence level was collected prospectively with the use of questionnaires. Results: Participants recorded significant changes in weight and BMI (p <0.05) at 6 months post intervention following a low calorie, low fat, low carbohydrate, high fibre diet with exercise regimen. Significant changes in body fat (p <0.05) were recorded in participants who strictly adhered to exercise and in participants who visited the dietitian weekly to fortnightly. Conclusion: Dietary management of patients with a low calorie, low carbohydrate, low fat, high fibre diet with exercise regimen is effective in achieving significant weight changes at 6 months post intervention. Significant changes in weight can be achieved with diet alone but significant reduction in body fat is achieved with diet and exercise. Higher levels of adherence to lifestyle modifications are better achieved with frequent visits to the dietitian.