[Treatment of obesity with energy reducing diet. Results of dietary advice during a period of 17 years].
The results of treatment of obesity by means of conventional dietary advice in the nutritional physiological laboratory. The Municipal Hospital, Copenhagen, during a period of 17 years are reviewed. This review involves 1,640 patients, 973 women and 667 men. 31% had a body mass index (BMI) of 25-29 kg/m2, 59% had BMI of 30-39 kg/m2 and 10% had BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2. After 12 weeks, a total of 56.4% and after 16 weeks 50% of the patients were still receiving treatment. The weight-loss by the 12th week averaged 6.7 kg for women and 7.8 kg and 9.2 kg, respectively. The percentage of defaulters by the 12th week was independent of sex, initial BMI and the presence of other possible diagnoses but was significantly higher for the younger patients (less than 40 years) as compared with the older patients (greater than or equal to 40 years). The weight-loss at the 12th week was independent of age but was significantly positively correlated to high initial BMI and presumably high energy intake in the dietary history. The number of control weighings (frequency of attendance) was the parameter which best correlated to the weight-loss with an average weight-loss of 0.14 kg per attendance.