Influence of education on body weight reduction.

Elevated body mass is an important risk factor of many diseases like hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, coronary heart disease etc. To reduce body weight various medicament, surgical, behavioural, dietetic and other approaches and methods are used. Education of patients is one of the key points in success, and besides solely implementation it is often used in combination with other methods. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of education in overweight and obese healthy and sick patients on the weight reduction. Study was conducted on the sample of 77 participants of which 39 were overweight and obese but otherwise healthy, 9 were patients with hypertension, 8 were diabetics, 11 patients with gastrointestinal problems and 10 patients with food allergies. During the study observation period all participants were educated on the importance of balanced nutrition via the flyer, weekly menu and individual interview. The observation period was 3 months per person. Basic anthropometric measurements were conducted and BMI calculated for each participant at the beginning and at the end of the observation period. Average reduction in BMI was 3.26 units in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy participants, 3.40 units in patients with hypertension, 5.08 units in diabetics, 0.12 units in patients with gastrointestinal problems and 0.10 in patients with food allergies. Greatest average reduction in BMI was noticed in diabetics. Education on balanced diet and healthy lifestyle via the flyer, weekly menu and individual interview resulted in significant body mass reduction in healthy as well as in patients with diagnosis. Education of overweight and obese persons could be an important tool in weight management programs.