Short-medium-long-term efficacy of interdisciplinary intervention against overweight and obesity: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

AIM

The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of a nurse-led interdisciplinary programme based on healthy eating, physical exercise, and cognitive behavioural therapy applied to anthropometric and cardiovascular measures, which are related to obesity in short, medium, and long term.

METHODS

We conducted a randomised controlled clinical trial with 74 obese and overweight participants (experimental group, n = 37; control group, n = 37). An interdisciplinary programme of 12 months was applied and coordinated by a nurse. Anthropometric and cardiovascular measures were taken at the pretest stage, every 6 months during the programme, and 1 year after it finished.

RESULTS

A beneficial effect was found regarding all anthropometric parameters. Tests for weight (F  = 93.27; P < .001) and body mass index (F  = 89.95; P < .001) indicate efficacy of intervention: The experimental group had a weight loss of 7.2 kg (-8.3%) compared to a 0.9 kg (+1.0%) gained in the control group. Systolic (F  = 37.06; P < .001) and diastolic (F  = 57.31; P < .001) blood pressure improved greatly in the experimental group. Forced vital capacity was also increased (F  = 15.51; P < .001).

CONCLUSION

The interdisciplinary programme coordinated by nurses improved the health of participants, maintaining long-term effects.