Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2005; 10: 13
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined dietary and cognitive-behavioural strategy on body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP) and quality of life (QL).
Twelve men and 28 women gave consent to replace breakfast and dinner by 200 ml of juices (Biotta AG) for 1 week and to take part in daily 2-h sessions of education, problem solving and ‘autogenic training’. No other food was allowed. Subjects were instructed to measure their BP (Boso-medicus PC validated oscillometric devices). Measurements of BMI, BP and scores on well-being and QL (scales 0–3) were used to document the outcome. The effectiveness and tolerability of the treatment were also assessed.
Six of the subjects dropped out and were excluded from the analyses. Mean BMI decreased from 29.4 to 28.0 (P < 0.001). Average systolic/diastolic blood pressures fell from 136/85 to 126/77 mmHg (P < 0.001). Physical well-being, both at rest and during activity, improved (P = 0.005; P = 0.025), as did the feeling of emotional well-being (P = 0.005). The median QL measure improved from good to very good [score difference significant (P = 0.006)]. The effectiveness and tolerability of the regimen were rated as good or very good by 33 of the 34 completers. On 3 months’ follow-up of 28 subjects, 17 had maintained or increased their weight loss.
Most patients benefited from the combined programme in terms of weight loss, blood pressure decrease and increased well-being and quality of life.
