A Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Effect of Energy Reduced Diet rich in Calcium on Weight Loss Among Obese Egyptian Females Attending Obesity Management Clinic at National Nutrition Institute

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem worldwide and one of the leading risk factors for chronic diseases such as cancer, cerebrovascular disease, heart disease, and diabetes, which are major causes of death, Researchers have suggested that dietary calcium might facilitate weight loss by inhibiting fat absorption during weight reduction program. Objectives: This intervention study was performed to investigate whether calcium has an effect on weight loss during weight reduction program. Methods: an intervention study was carried out in the obesity management clinics of National Nutritional institute on 100 adult premenopausal females, aged from 30-40 years and their body mass index was between 30 to ≤ 40, baseline assessment which included interview questionnaire, anthropometric, laboratory measurements and dietary assessment. Follow up was done for six months followed by post-intervention assessment. Results: Consumption of calcium rich diet do not significantly induce more weight loss rather than consumption of standard calcium as a part of energy restricted diet regimen. Conclusion: However, calcium doesn’t have more effect on weight loss, but weight change had improved anthropometric measurements (body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumferences) and laboratory measurements (serum cholesterol level, serum triglycerides, LDL and HDL). Recommendation: Putting more emphasis on the existing nutritional counseling and health education cessions for obese patients about the role of weight loss and weight control on improving health and quality of life.