Abdominal obesity: Changing lifestyle is more effective than drugs
Men who suffer from obesity do not need to lose much weight to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. They would change their lifestyle to transform part of their visceral fat into muscle. What they would provide even greater benefits than what is offered drugs.
It concludes that the SYNERGY study, conducted by researchers from Laval University, Quebec City, followed 144 overweight men with abdominal obesity and with an abnormal profile of fat (lipid) levels.
Monitored for three years by Dr. Paul Poirier, these men have been prescribed menus drawn from their food preferences and a personalized exercise program also responding to their preferences.
“We wanted the program to be adapted to each, and not vice versa, in order to generate greater adherence to healthier habits,” says the doctor.
After meeting a nutritionist, participants should try to reduce their dietary intake of 500 calories a day but each in his way. Same for physical activity: a team of Kinesiology has proposed a program within the capacity of each, and suggests strongly walk 10 000 steps per day.
“Some were simply walking, others were training more actively and after one year, most have found their rhythm to them,” says the doctor.
Less abdominal fat
Results: On average, each lost 4 kg (8.5 pounds) and reduced his waist circumference by 5 cm (2 inches).
More importantly, participants showed an average loss of 18% of their abdominal visceral fat, that is to say that which is housed in the belly.
“An average loss of 18% of visceral fat, maintained for three years as they have done is far better than any drug, said Dr. Paul Poirier. This decline has even avoided taking two to three drugs that we speak of statins, metformin or hypotensive. ”
If the overall weight loss appears minimal, it is of great importance, he said. In fact, the loss of visceral fat has provided a very positive effect on overall health issues, including the ability to walk or even tie their shoes or climbing the stairs without getting breathless, shows Dr. Poirier.
“Without these changes to their lifestyle, these men have continued to grow at least 1 pound per year, rather than lose weight, says Paul Poirier. And three or four years later, they surely would become diabetic or hypertensive, the risk factors of cardiovascular disorders. ”
Responsibility for reversing
Dr. Poirier believes that the positive results based on the personal approach of the SYNERGY study. “It makes them responsible,” he said. After a year, each was independent. ”
Indeed, after one year, eight out of ten participants had joined the program, that is to say that 80% were able to keep the calorie deficit indicated, to train two to three times a week and walk 9 000 to 10 000 steps per day. After three years, the rate was 75%.
“There is no pill that can do the same, exclaims Paul Poirier. These changes have become new habits that are sufficient to turn the tide in terms of cardiovascular risk. ”
A program to implement
Dr. Poirier hopes that the approach used in the SYNERGY study is integrated into the health system. “It would be easy to treat men suffering from obesity by weight of family medicine groups (FMGs), since they already have the patient record, says Paul Poirier. And tracking could be done by telephone rather than in person, thereby saving costs. ”
Currently, it is estimated that implementation of SYNERGY program would cost $ 1 200 per year for each patient. But according to him, this preventive approach would be cheaper, ultimately, than having to treat people later.
“If we put as much effort to do research on non-pharmacological lifestyle, and we put as much force to discuss and promote the fact that for the pills, we would like results those obtained, “says the doctor.
Martin LaSalle - PasseportSanté.net
