Comparison of two low-calorie diets: a prospective study of effectiveness and safety.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the cost-effectiveness and safety of two distinct low calorie diets (LCD).


METHODS
Prospective controlled study.


METHODS
67 obese patients [body mass index (BMI) 40 kg/m2] were included in two study groups. Group A: 26 patients followed a 458 kcal diet given in three meals for 1 month. Group B: 41 patients followed a 800 kcal diet for 3 months and with outpatient control.


METHODS
Anthropometric, cardiovascular risk and nutritional profile changes were evaluated, as well as total direct and indirect costs, and the incidence of complications.


RESULTS
No significant initial differences were observed between the two study groups. Eighty-six point two per cent of the patients completed the therapy correctly. After treatment a significant decrease was observed in the following variables for both groups, but no differences were detected between Groups A and B: mean weight loss (A= 9.28 kg, B= 8.7 kg), ponderal loss percentage (A/B= 7.2/6.8%), glycemia (A/B= 18.6/12.1 mg/dl), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (A/B= 11.8/6.5 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (A/B 5.9/6.8 mmHg), and final insulin-resistance (IR) index (A= 4.4, B= 4.3). Group A had the highest drop in total cholesterol (37.7 vs 8.1 mg/dl) and triglycerides (54.4 vs 2.5 mg/dl). No changes were observed in ureic acid, renal function and serum albumin. Thirty-six patients (55.3%) suffered trivial complications associated to the VLCD (16.9% gastrointestinal, 20% anxiety), with no differences between groups. Group A patients were on sick leave due to asthenia, and two patients in this group had serious complications (transient ischemic attack and atrial fibrillation). The total cost of Group A treatment was 3018.9 against 582.6 euros for Group B.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-month 800 kcal/day VLCD was more cost-effective and safer than the 1-month 458 kcal/day diet.
Moreno
O
O
Endocrinology and Nutrition Section, Alicante General University Hospital, CP03010, Alicante, Spain. oscarmorenop76@hotmail.com
Meoro
A
A
Martinez
A
A
Rodriguez
C
C
Pardo
C
C
Aznar
S
S
Lopez
P
P
Serrano
J
J
Boix
E
E
Martin
M D
MD
Pico Alfonso
A M
AM
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D031204:Caloric Restriction; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss
D001786:Blood Glucose