Even Small Weight Loss can Make a Difference!

Did you know that if you are overweight, you are a member of the majority in this country? Studies suggest that up to 64% of American adults are either overweight or obese. These statistics represent a sharp increase over the 55% in 1994. This is about double the rate of obesity since 1980.The World Health Organization has labeled obesity a global epidemic. Recent statistics estimate that 1 billion people in the world are overweight; 300 million are obese.  And consider this: if you are overweight or obese, you are at greater risk for Type 2 diabetes, as they commonly co-occur.

There is a positive side to this news!  Although statistics are rather alarming, researchers have found that even small weight losses might have important health benefits.  Whether or not you are diagnosed with diabetes and are overweight or obese, even a small weight loss is associated with improved glycemic control and reduced blood pressure.

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) research involved more than 3200 overweight individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. These people participated in a lifestyle intervention study. The lifestyle intervention group committed to increasing physical activity for more than 150 minutes per week. The placebo group (no increase in activity) and the Metformin (Glucophage, 850 mg per day) and no increased activity group, followed the intervention for up to 4 years. Results showed that there was a positive and preventive effect for members in the lifestyle intervention group. This held true for both sexes and all racial and ethnic groups. The group that showed the most promising results, the lifestyle intervention group, showed an average weight loss of 15 pounds at the six month mark.  Even after 4 years, the weight loss in this group still averaged 8 pounds.

Be encouraged! If you are struggling with your weight, take heart! Check with your doctor first and then take those walks, ride your bike, increase your activity, working up to 150 minutes a week. Even losing a few pounds can make a difference; even small successes will benefit your health.

Summary and commentary by Dr. Burkhardt Pino from the article "Treatment of Obesity" by Fabricatore and Wadden, Clinical Diabetes (2003).