An innovative model for changing the lifestyles of persons with obesity and/or Type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Published in: Journal of endocrinological investigation 2011-11, Vol.34 (10), p.e349-e354
• Main Authors: De Feo, P., Fatone, C., Burani, P., Piana, N., Pazzagli, C., Battistini, D., Capezzali, D., Pippi, R., Chipi, B., Mazzeschi, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - therapy; Directive Counseling; Endocrinology; Exercise; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Italy; Life Style; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolic Diseases; Middle Aged; Obesity - therapy; Original Article; Patient Care Team; Weight Loss
• ISSN: 0391-4097; 1720-8386
• DOI: 10.3275/7857

Aim: To describe the multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention model used in an experimental CURIAMO (Centro Universitario Ricerca Interdipartimentale Attività Motoria) project designed to validate the short- and long-term efficacy of the model in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods: Over a 3-yr period, about 1000 adults (70% diabetes-free and overweight or obese; 30% with Type 2 diabetes and overweight or obese). Inclusion criteria: Age range 18–80 yr, body mass index >27 kg/m 2 with or without Type 2 diabetes mellitus; participants will be divided into three age groups (18–45, 45–65, 65–80 yr). The study duration will be from 5 to 6 yr: 1 yr of intervention followed by a mean follow-up period of 4 yr. In the first years, after a 4-month intensive lifestyle intervention, subjects will follow a maintenance programme. The intervention, which includes seven steps, involves the following experts: endocrinologists, sport medicine doctors or cardiologists, psychologists, dietitians, educators, nurses, exercise physiologists, and promoters of outdoor activities. Results: The main endpoint of the study is to measure the efficacy of the lifestyle improvement intervention, defined as a loss of at least 7% of body weight combined with an increase of at least 10 MET/h −1 week −1 of energy expenditure by physical activity, after 1 yr and during the follow-up. A cost/utility analysis of the model will be made in participants with diabetes. Conclusions: We expect that the CURIAMO model will be highly effective, and that the aim of the intervention will be achieved in more than 70% of cases.