The excessive caloric intake and micronutrient deficiencies related to obesity after a long-term interdisciplinary therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a long-term interdisciplinary lifestyle modification therapy on food intake, body composition, and anthropometric measurements of obese women.

METHODS: Seventy obese women (age 41 ± 5.9 y) attended the interdisciplinary therapy, with nutrition, physical exercise, physiotherapy, and psychological support during the course of 1 y. Usual food intake was estimated by 3-d dietary record. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed to determine body fat and fat-free mass. Waist and hip circumferences also were measured. Student's t test and Wilcoxon test were used for comparisons among categories; P < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: The assessment of dietary intake showed significant changes after interdisciplinary therapy. A reduction in intake of total calories (18.3%), carbohydrates (15.6%), and total fats (13.1%) was observed. Total micronutrient intake did not change positively after therapy, as the intake level of 16 micronutrients was still lower than recommended. The therapy was effective in reducing significantly body weight (5.9%), body mass index (6.1%), body fat (4.7%), and waist (5.2%) and hip (3.8%) circumferences.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term interdisciplinary therapy was effective in decreasing the intake of calories, carbohydrates, and fats. The therapy positively changed the body composition and reduced anthropometric measurements. However, the intake of some micronutrients after therapy was still significantly lower than recommended. These results demonstrated that the proposed interdisciplinary methodology can be effective in treating obesity; however, the present study reinforced the need to address the micronutrient deficiency in the target population.