title: Cohort Study of the Success of Controlled Weight Loss Programs for Obese Dogs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Most weight loss studies in obese dogs assess rate and percentage of weight loss in the first 2-3 months, rather than the likelihood of successfully reaching target weight.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine outcome of controlled weight loss programs for obese dogs, and to determine the factors associated with successful completion.
  
  
  METHODS
  143 obese dogs undergoing a controlled weight loss program.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cohort study of obese dogs attending a referral weight management clinic. Dogs were studied during their period of weight loss, and cases classified according to outcome as "completed" (reached target weight), "euthanized" (was euthanized before reaching target weight), or "stopped prematurely" (program stopped early for other reasons). Factors associated with successful completion were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  87/143 dogs (61%) completed their weight loss program, 11 [8%] died or were euthanized, and the remaining 45 [32%] stopped prematurely. Reasons for dogs stopping prematurely included inability to contact owner, refusal to comply with weight management advice, or development of another illness. Successful weight loss was positively associated with a faster rate (P < .001), a longer duration (P < .001), and feeding a dried weight management diet (P = .010), but negatively associated with starting body fat (P < .001), and use of dirlotapide (P = .0046).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Just over half of all obese dogs on a controlled weight loss program reach their target weight. Future studies should better clarify reasons for success in individual cases, and also the role of factors such as activity and behavioral modification.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.|The School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: German
authors.affiliation: The School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Titcomb
authors.affiliation: Department of Obesity and Endocrinology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Wirral, CH64 7TE, UK.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Holden
authors.affiliation: Royal Canin Research Center, B.P.4 - 650 Avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470, Aimargues, France.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Queau
authors.affiliation: WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, LE14 4RT, UK.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Royal Canin Research Center, B.P.4 - 650 Avenue de la Petite Camargue, 30470, Aimargues, France.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Biourge
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs
keywords: Caloric restriction; Canine; Outcomes; Overweight