English summary: Successful results of conservative treatment of mordbid obesity

Background

Treatment of morbid obesity in Meilahti hospital has been performed since 1984, which allows us to examine changes in patient material and treatment results over the years as well as long-term outcomes.

Methods

Hand-written records of weight development during the treatment were computerized and analysed retrospectively with statistical software.

Results

A total of 1031 patients participated in the weight loss groups from 1984 to 2013. Average baseline weight has increased over the years from 121±23kg to 142±26kg (95% CI: 115.8-126.6 kg and 137.3-147.0). The increase in weight was most pronounced in younger patients. The very low calorie diet (VLCD) improved weight-loss results. With the help of the 6 to 12 week long VLCD weight decreased 12.1±5.8% (95% CI: 11.7-12.6%) in 16 weeks. In some patients, weight tended to increase gradually soon after the end of the treatment. After a year the weight of those who were invited and came to follow-up weighing was 11.5±10,0% (95% CI: 10.1-13.0%) lower than at baseline. Not all patients lost weight, and some discontinued the treatment.

Conclusions

The treatment of obesity is increasingly challenging. Morbidly obese patients are becoming heavier and especially the increase in weight in obese young people is worrying. The results of the conservative treatment of severe obesity are relatively good but too many patients discontinue the treatment. The biggest challenges in the management of obesity are to increase the rate of success, to obtain permanent long-term results and to increase commitment to the treatment.