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Weight Loss and Older Women

A group of researchers and clinicians at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., evaluated a weight-loss intervention in 26 women 60 years of age with a body mass index 30. The subjects were enrolled in a 3-month weight-loss program that promotes a prudent diet, behavior modification, and physical activity.

The goal of the intervention was to improve health, function, and quality of life, with a 5% reduction in body weight within the 3-month study period.

The program consisted of a baseline assessment by a bariatric physician, followed by 8 counseling visits of 30 minutes each. Participants were encouraged to reduce their caloric intake to between 1,200 and 1,500 kcal per day, composed of 55% carbohydrate, 20–30% fat, and 15–20% protein. Subjects also were asked to take multivitamins and minerals, calcium, and vitamin D supplements and to consume 2 to 3 servings of calcium-rich foods daily.

Subjects were asked to keep a food-and-activity diary during the study period. They were also given pedometers and instructions to try to reach a moderate target of 5,000 steps a day.

Eight subjects failed to complete the intervention program, mainly due to transportation issues or family emergencies. The 18 participants who completed the program had a significant decrease in average body weight and also showed significant improvements in diastolic pressure, total cholesterol and triglycerides, and measures of physical functioning.

"It is feasible for self-selected obese older women to achieve a moderate weight loss and an increase in physical activity resulting in short-term improvements in laboratory, physical performance, self-reported function, vitality, and life-quality outcomes," the authors conclude.

Jensen GL, Roy MA, Buchanan AE, et al.: Weight loss intervention for obese older women: improvements in performance and function. Obes Res 12:1814–1820, 2004.[Medline]

TALK BACK: FOOD FIGHT

Last October, the prestigious Cleveland Clinic took a bold step intended to improve the health of its patients and their families—booting fast-food chains out of the hospital's food court. Pizza Hut went quietly, but McDonald's expressed a desire to stay for the remainder of its 20-year lease.

Newly installed chief executive Toby Cosgrove, MD, says that the presence of fast food is inconsistent with the medical center's mission. People can get their coronary arteries cleared out upstairs, then stop for a fat-laden Big Mac on the way out of the hospital.

Others contend that patients, visitors, and hospital staff can make healthful choices and are entitled to familiar, affordable food.

What do you think? Does fast food belong in a medical center?

Send your comments to docnews{at}diabetes.org.

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