Exploratory analysis of the variable response to an intensive lifestyle change program for metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Substantial variability in response to lifestyle interventions has been recognized for many years, and researchers have begun to disentangle sources of error from inherent differences in individual responsiveness. The objective of this secondary analysis of an intensive lifestyle intervention (diet and exercise) for metabolic syndrome (MetS) was to identify potentially important differences among study completers grouped by treatment response as measured by change in a continuous metabolic syndrome score (Gurka/MetS). METHODS: All study completers from a 12-month primary care study were categorized into one of five groups according to change in the Gurka/MetS score. A change of 0.4 in z-score defined clinically relevant change in line with results of previous studies. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to examine cardiovascular disease risk and individual clinical indicators of MetS over 12 months, looking for differences in response over time by the five groups. RESULTS: Of 176 participants, 50% (n = 88) had stable scores, 10% (n = 18) had relevant change scores in the first 3 months only and reverted toward baseline, 20% (n = 35) achieved meaningful change over the whole study, 11% (n = 20) had a delayed response at 3-12 months, and 9% (n = 15) demonstrated worsening scores. Significant differential patterns were noted for groups over the duration of the intervention (p < .001). Improvement in diet quality and fitness scores were similar across all groups. Other available variables were tested and did not account for the differences. CONCLUSION: Work is needed to identify key factors that account for differences in responses to lifestyle interventions that can be used to guide treatment decisions for intensive lifestyle interventions for this common condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01616563; first registered June 12, 2012.

Relationship between Cardiometabolic Factors and the Response of Blood Pressure to a One-Year Primary Care Lifestyle Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome Patients.

Systemic hypertension has been recognized as a modifiable traditional cardiovascular risk factor and influenced by many factors such as eating habits, physical activity, diabetes, and obesity. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to identify factors that predict changes in blood pressure induced by a one-year lifestyle intervention in primary care settings involving a collaboration between family physicians, dietitians, and exercise specialists. Patients with metabolic syndrome diagnosis were recruited by family physicians participating in primary care lifestyle intervention among several family care clinics across Canada. Participants for whom all cardiometabolic data at the beginning (T0) and the end (T12) of the one-year intervention were available were included in the present analysis (n = 101). Patients visited the dietitian and the exercise specialist weekly for the first three months and monthly for the last nine months. Diet quality, exercise capacity, anthropometric indicators, and cardiometabolic variables were evaluated at T0 and at T12. The intervention induced a statistically significant decrease in waist circumference (WC), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and plasma triglycerides, and an increase in cardiorespiratory fitness (estimated VO2max). Body weight (p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), and fasting blood glucose (p = 0.006) reduction, and VO2max increase (p = 0.048) were all related to changes in SBP. WC was the only variable for which changes were significantly correlated with those in both SBP (p < 0.0001) and DBP (p = 0.0004). Variations in DBP were not associated with changes in other cardiometabolic variables to a statistically significant extent. Twelve participants were identified as adverse responders (AR) in both SBP and DBP and displayed less favorable changes in WC. The beneficial effects of the primary care lifestyle intervention on blood pressure were significantly associated with cardiometabolic variables, especially WC. These findings suggest that a structured lifestyle intervention in primary care can help improve cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome and that WC should be systematically measured to better stratify the patient's hypertension risk.

Key process features of personalized diet counselling in metabolic syndrome: secondary analysis of feasibility study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Personalized diet counselling, as part of lifestyle change programs for cardiometabolic risk conditions (combinations of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and high waist circumference) has been shown to reduce progression to type 2 diabetes overall. To identify key process of care measures that could be linked to changes in diet, we undertook a secondary analysis of a Canadian pre-post study of lifestyle treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Diet counselling process measures were documented and association with diet quality changes after 3 months were assessed. Results of the primary study showed 19% reversal of MetS after 1 year. METHODS: Registered dietitians (RDs) reported on contact time, specific food behaviour goals (FBG), behaviour change techniques (BCT; adapted from the Michie CALO-RE taxonomy) and teaching resources at each contact. Diet quality was measured by 2005 Canadian Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C) and assessed for possible associations with individual BCT and FBG. RESULTS: Food behaviour goals associated with improved HEI-C at 3 months were: poultry more than red meat, increased plant protein, increased fish, increased olive oil, increased fruits and vegetables, eating breakfast, increased milk and alternatives, healthier fats, healthier snacks and increased nuts, with an adverse association noted for more use (> 2 times/ 3 months) of the balanced meal concept (F test; p < 0.001). Of 16 BCT, goal setting accounted for 15% of all BCT recorded, yet more goal setting (> 3 times/3 months) was associated with poorer HEI-C at 3 months (F test; p = 0.007). Only self-monitoring, feedback on performance and focus on past success were associated with improved HEI-C. CONCLUSIONS: These results identify key aspects of process that impact diet quality. Documentation of both FBG and BCT is highly relevant in diet counselling and a summary diet quality score is a promising target for assessing short-term counselling success.

Evaluation of Latent Models Assessing Physical Fitness and the Healthy Eating Index in Community Studies: Time-, Sex-, and Diabetes-Status Invariance.

Accurate measurement requires assessment of measurement equivalence/invariance (ME/I) to demonstrate that the tests/measurements perform equally well and measure the same underlying constructs across groups and over time. Using structural equation modeling, the measurement properties (stability and responsiveness) of intervention measures used in a study of metabolic syndrome (MetS) treatment in primary care offices, were assessed. The primary study (N = 293; mean age = 59 years) had achieved 19% reversal of MetS overall; yet neither diet quality nor aerobic capacity were correlated with declines in cardiovascular disease risk. Factor analytic methods were used to develop measurement models and factorial invariance were tested across three time points (baseline, 3-month, 12-month), sex (male/female), and diabetes status for the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (2005 HEI-C) and several fitness measures combined (percentile VO2 max from submaximal exercise, treadmill speed, curl-ups, push-ups). The model fit for the original HEI-C was poor and could account for the lack of associations in the primary study. A reduced HEI-C and a 4-item fitness model demonstrated excellent model fit and measurement equivalence across time, sex, and diabetes status. Increased use of factor analytic methods increases measurement precision, controls error, and improves ability to link interventions to expected clinical outcomes.

Use of the Healthy Eating Index in Intervention Studies for Cardiometabolic Risk Conditions: A Systematic Review.

Researchers and counselors need diet-assessment tools that characterize diet at baseline and over time in diet counseling and coaching interventions. Among possible tools, the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is of interest in cardiometabolic treatment as it has undergone significant validation and development. The objective of this study was to systematically review relevant intervention studies using the HEI and its adaptations to examine whether diet interventions improve diet quality as measured by the HEI and the magnitude of change in included diet-quality scores following dietary intervention. Two databases [Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and PubMed] were searched for articles published from January 1995 to December 2019. The review included intervention studies in adults presenting with overweight/obesity and obesity-related chronic disease (metabolic syndrome, diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia) who received education or counseling, and the HEI was evaluated from baseline to follow-up (US or Canadian version) or Alternate HEI. Study quality was assessed using Cochrane risk of bias for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or Cochrane Risk of Bias for Nonrandomized interventions (ROBINS-I). A total of 25 studies were included: 15 RCTs, 3 quasi-experimental studies, and 7 pre-post studies. Eight different versions of the HEI were used. Results demonstrated that diet quality assessed by HEI and its adaptations improved to a clinically relevant degree, especially in studies where multiple food behaviors/food-behavior goals were the focus and where an intensive, long-term intervention was compared with a no-treatment control group. There was wide variation in magnitude of change in included diet-quality indicators. Use of the HEI and its adaptations and other diet-quality tools is promising for better characterization of diet-counseling interventions and results when multiple food behaviors are a focus. Additional development is encouraged.

Impact of a multidisciplinary intervention on physical fitness, physical activity habits and the association between aerobic fitness and components of metabolic syndrome in adults diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a health disorder characterized by metabolic abnormalities that predict an increased risk to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It can be resolved, and its complications reduced, by lifestyle interventions offered in primary care. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of the exercise program of the CHANGE feasibility study on physical fitness and physical activity habits, and assess associations between changes in MetS components and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). METHODS: In this analysis of 192 of the 293 adults with MetS in the overall study, the impact on physical fitness [aerobic capacity, muscular fitness and flexibility], and non-supervised physical activities was investigated over 12 months. In the CHANGE program, aerobic capacity, muscular fitness and flexibility were assessed at baseline, after 3 months of weekly supervised exercise, and following 9 additional months during which participants had one monthly session of supervised exercise. Additionally, CRF response was also examined in relation to changes in MetS components [fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, waist circumference (WC)]. RESULTS: Fitness variables were significantly increased at 12 months with most of the improvements reached by 3 months (estimated VO2 max: 6 and 12%; partial curl-ups: 55 and 80%; push-ups: 50 and 100%; flexibility: 22 and 10% in men and women, respectively, p <  0.001). As expected, the duration and intensity of supervised aerobic physical activity increased during the first 3 months of supervision in both men and women, and remained unchanged for the duration of the program. The duration of non-supervised physical activities did not change during the program in men whereas an increase in manual work of moderate intensity was recorded in women between 3 and 12 months. In women, mean changes in WC were significantly greater among high VO2 max responders than low responders, between 0 and 12 months, as well as between 3 and 12 months (- 3.42 cm and - 4.32 cm, respectively, p <  0.05). No associations were seen with MetS components in men. Higher intensity activities were maintained by both sexes at one year. CONCLUSION: Patients with MetS participating in the CHANGE lifestyle program improved physical fitness and physical activity habits by three months and maintained these gains over one year. Women who achieved a greater VO2 max increase had greater reductions in WC compared to low VO2max responders.

CONTEXTE: Le syndrome métabolique (SMet) est un problème de santé caractérisé par des anomalies métaboliques prédisant un risque accru de développer une maladie cardiovasculaire (MCV) et un diabète de type 2 (DT2). Il peut être résolu et ses complications atténuées par des interventions axées sur le mode de vie. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de mesurer l'impact du programme CHANGE sur la condition physique et les habitudes d'activité physique, et d'évaluer les associations entre les modifications des composantes du SMet et la capacité cardiorespiratoire. MÉTHODES: Dans cette analyse de 192 des 293 adultes atteints du SMet, l'impact sur la condition physique [capacité aérobie, vigueur musculaire et flexibilité] et sur les activités physiques non supervisées a été étudié pendant une période de 12 mois. Pour ce qui est du programme d'exercice, la capacité aérobie, l'endurance musculaire et la flexibilité ont été évaluées au départ, après 3 mois d'exercice hebdomadaire supervisé et après 9 mois supplémentaires au cours desquels les participants ont eu une session mensuelle d'exercice supervisé. La réponse de la capacité cardiorespiratoire a également été examinée en relation avec les modifications des composantes du syndrome métabolique (glucose à jeun, HDL-cholestérol, triglycérides, pression artérielle, tour de taille). RÉSULTATS: Les variables de la condition physique ont été significativement augmentées à 12 mois avec la plupart des améliorations atteintes à 3 mois (VO2 max estimée: 6 et 12%; redressements partiels: 55 et 80%; push-ups: 50 et 100%; flexibilité: 22 et 10% chez les hommes et les femmes, respectivement, p <  0,001). Comme prévu, la durée et l'intensité de l'activité physique aérobie supervisée ont augmenté au cours des 3 premiers mois de supervision chez les femmes et les hommes et sont par la suite demeurées inchangées jusqu'à la fin du programme. La durée des activités physiques non encadrées n'a pas changé au cours du programme chez les hommes alors qu'une augmentation du travail manuel d'intensité modérée a été enregistrée chez les femmes entre 3 et 12 mois. Chez les femmes, les changements moyens dans la circonférence de taille étaient significativement plus importants chez les bons répondeurs au VO2max que chez les plus faibles répondeurs, entre 0 et 12 mois, ainsi qu'entre 3 et 12 mois (− 3,42 cm et − 4,32 cm, respectivement, p <  0,05). Aucune association n'a été observée avec les composantes du SMet chez les hommes. Les activités d'intensité plus élevée ont été maintenues par les femmes et les hommes à un an. CONCLUSION: Les patients atteints de SMet participant au programme CHANGE ont amélioré leur condition physique et leurs habitudes d'activité physique après 3 mois et ont maintenu ces gains pendant un an. Les femmes qui ont eu une plus grande augmentation du VO2max ont aussi obtenu une plus grande diminution de la circonférence de taille par rapport à celles ayant un faible VO2max.

Prediction modelling of 1-year outcomes to a personalized lifestyle intervention for Canadians with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk factors that includes central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose homeostasis. Although lifestyle interventions reduce MetS risk, not everyone responds to the same extent. The primary objective of this study was to identify variables that could predict 1-year changes in MetS risk in individuals participating in the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) program. Participants were allocated into training (n = 157) and test (n = 29) datasets by availability of genetic data. A linear mixed-effect model revealed that age, medication, fasting glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and fibre intake were associated with continuous MetS (cMetS) score across all time points. Multiple linear regressions were then used to build 2 prediction models using 1-year cMetS score as the outcome variable. Model 1 included only baseline variables and was 38% accurate for predicting cMetS score. Model 2 included both baseline variables and the 3-month change in cMetS score and was 86% accurate. As a secondary objective, we also examined if we could build a model to predict a person's categorical response bin (i.e., positive responder, nonresponder, or adverse responder) at 1 year using the same variables. We found 72% concordance between predicted and observed outcomes. These various prediction models need to be further tested in independent cohorts but provide a potentially promising new tool to project patient outcomes during lifestyle interventions for MetS. Novelty Short-term changes in cMetS score improve prediction model performance compared with only baseline variables. Predictive models could potentially facilitate clinical decision-making for personalized treatment plans.

Nutrient intake and dietary quality changes within a personalized lifestyle intervention program for metabolic syndrome in primary care.

A team-based 12-month lifestyle program for the treatment of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (involving physicians, registered dietitians (RDs), and kinesiologists) was previously shown to reverse MetS in 19% of patients (95% confidence interval, 14% to 24%). This work evaluates changes in nutrient intake and diet quality over 12 months (n = 205). Individualized diet counselling was provided by 14 RDs at 3 centres. Two 24-h recalls, the Canadian Healthy Eating Index (HEI-C), and the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) were completed at each time point. Total energy intake decreased by 145 ± 586 kcal (mean ± SD) over 3 months with an additional 76 ± 452 kcal decrease over 3-12 months. HEI-C improved from 58 ± 15 to 69 ± 12 at 3 months and was maintained at 12 months. Similarly, MDS (n = 144) improved from 4.8 ± 1.2 to 6.2 ± 1.9 at 3 months and was maintained at 12 months. Changes were specific to certain food groups, with increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and nuts and decreased intake of "other foods" and "commercial baked goods" being the most prominent changes. There was limited change in intake of olive oil, fish, and legumes. Exploratory analysis suggested that poorer diet quality at baseline was associated with greater dietary changes as assessed by HEI-C. Novelty Multiple dietary assessment tools provided rich information on food intake changes in an intervention for metabolic syndrome. Improvements in diet were achieved by 3 months and maintained to 12 months. The results provide a basis for further dietary change implementation studies in the Canadian context.

Lifestyle genomics and the metabolic syndrome: A review of genetic variants that influence response to diet and exercise interventions.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk factors that includes central obesity, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose homeostasis and hypertension. Individuals with MetS have elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease; thus placing significant burdens on social and healthcare systems. Lifestyle interventions (comprised of diet, exercise or a combination of both) are routinely recommended as the first line of treatment for MetS. Only a proportion of people respond, and it has been assumed that psychological and social aspects primarily account for these differences. However, the etiology of MetS is multifactorial and stems, in part, on a person's genetic make-up. Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with the various components of MetS, and several of these SNPs have been shown to modify a person's response to lifestyle interventions. Consequently, genetic variants can influence the extent to which a person responds to changes in diet and/or exercise. The goal of this review is to highlight SNPs reported to influence the magnitude of change in body weight, dyslipidemia, glucose homeostasis and blood pressure during lifestyle interventions aimed at improving MetS components. Knowledge regarding these genetic variants and their ability to modulate a person's response will provide additional context for improving the effectiveness of personalized lifestyle interventions that aim to reduce the risks associated with MetS.

Variants in APOA5 and ADIPOQ Moderate Improvements in Metabolic Syndrome during a One-Year Lifestyle Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk factors including central obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose homeostasis. Lifestyle interventions that promote improvements in diet quality and physical activity represent a first line of therapy for MetS. However, varying responses to lifestyle interventions are well documented and may be partially explained by underlying genetic differences. The aim of this study was to investigate if variants in genes previously associated with MetS influence the magnitude of change in MetS risk during a 1-year lifestyle intervention. METHODS: The present study used data collected from the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise study cohort (n = 159 men and women) to investigate the effect of 17 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on response to a 1-year lifestyle intervention. Associations between SNPs and the continuous MetS (cMetS) score, as well as individual MetS components, were examined. RESULTS: Reductions in cMetS score at both 3 months and 1 year were significantly associated with 2 variants: rs662799 (A/G) in apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) and rs1501299 (G/T) in adiponectin (ADIPOQ). Individuals carrying a minor T allele in rs1501299 experienced a greater reduction in cMetS score at both 3 months and 1 year, whereas major allele AA homozygotes in rs662799 experienced greater reductions in cMetS score during the intervention. No associations were identified between the aforementioned SNPs and individual components of MetS. Both un-weighted and weighted genetic risk scores (GRS) using these 2 SNPs revealed that individuals carrying none of the risk alleles experienced significantly greater reductions in cMetS score after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the current study suggest that individuals with certain genotypes may benefit more from a lifestyle intervention for MetS and that specific variants, either independently or as part of a GRS, could be used as a nutrigenomic tool to tailor the intervention to reduce the risk of MetS.

Patient experiences of a lifestyle program for metabolic syndrome offered in family medicine clinics: a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Patient perspectives on new programs to manage metabolic syndrome (MetS) are critical to evaluate for possible implementation in the primary healthcare system. Participants' perspectives were sought for the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) study, which enrolled 293 participants, and demonstrated 19% reversal of MetS after 1 year. The main purpose of this study was to examine participants' perceptions of their experiences with the CHANGE program, enablers and barriers to change. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed methods design combined patients' perspectives collected by questionnaires (n = 164), with insights from focus groups (n = 41) from three sites across Canada. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using interpretative description. Insights were organized within a socio-ecologic framework. RESULTS: Key aspects identified by participants included intra-individual factors (personal agency, increased time availability), inter-individual factors (trust, social aspects) and organizational factors (increased mental health support, tailored programs). CONCLUSION: Results revealed participants' overall support for the CHANGE program, especially the importance of an extended program under the guidance of a family physician along with a skilled and supportive team. Team delivery of a lifestyle program in primary care or family medicine clinics is a complex intervention and use of a mixed methods design was helpful for exploring patient experiences and key issues on enablers and barriers to health behavior change.

Development of a patient experience questionnaire to improve lifestyle services in primary care.

AimWe developed a self-report tool to assess patients' experiences with lifestyle services in team-based primary care and pilot tested the questionnaire as part of a lifestyle intervention study to reverse metabolic syndrome. BACKGROUND: Older client satisfaction questionnaires have been generally inadequate for quality improvement purposes, as they have been focused mainly on interpersonal skills of providers and/or in the context of one disease. New approaches to assessing the patient experience of lifestyle programs in primary care are needed and could inform quality improvement efforts over time. METHODS: The first phase in developing the questionnaire involved a group-administered questionnaire distributed to 38 healthcare providers in five groups to prioritize variables to include in the survey. Concepts were taken from a previous review of available questionnaires assessing primary care services. The draft questionnaire was reviewed by 11 participants from a lifestyle program using think-aloud cognitive interviewing techniques. The modified self-administered questionnaire (paper and online versions) was then pilot tested with 164 recipients of a nutrition and physical activity intervention program.FindingsProviders ranked the top variables to include in the questionnaire as: 'trust,' 'general communication,' 'first-contact accessibility,' 'whole-person care,' and 'respectfulness.' After cognitive interviewing and revisions, 21 multiple choice and two open-ended questions were used for pilot testing. Pilot testing identified additional minor wording changes that were needed for clarity, a decreased number of questions for redundant concepts, and decreased options for ceiling effects, resulting in 20 multiple choice and one open-ended question. CONCLUSIONS: The modified self-administered patient experience questionnaire to assess lifestyle services in primary care has undergone rigorous development. Further validation is needed. The assessment of patient experience of lifestyle programs can be used to supplement other data to assess the overall effectiveness of such programs.

The CHANGE program: Exercise intervention in primary care.

PROBLEM ADDRESSED: Primary care settings require a feasible program for integrating lifestyle interventions, which can reverse metabolic abnormalities, for patients in practice. OBJECTIVE OF PROGRAM: To integrate a lifestyle intervention program into existing primary care clinics with an interprofessional approach that includes dietitians and kinesiologists. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) provides a personalized approach to nutrition and exercise modification focusing on patients with metabolic syndrome. With CHANGE, exercise intervention is individualized (ie, tailored to individual preferences) and graded (ie, intensity is built up slowly over time); supervision and implementation of the program is conducted in a collaborative fashion between the family physician and the kinesiologist. Patients undergo an initial fitness assessment that determines their baseline aerobic, strength, and flexibility scores, and the same assessment is performed at 3 months and at 12 months. CONCLUSION: The CHANGE program demonstrates how interprofessional primary care teams can support patients with metabolic syndrome in achieving their health goals. By including dietitians and kinesiologists in primary care settings to work alongside family doctors, many barriers to lifestyle interventions can be overcome. The team's collaborative understanding of the patient combined with the patient's own sense of urgency for change creates the opportunity for the formation of new healthy lifestyle habits. Although results are preliminary, CHANGE appears to be a feasible, implementable, and effective program.

Family physician-led, team-based, lifestyle intervention in patients with metabolic syndrome: results of a multicentre feasibility project.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a medical condition with major complications and health care costs. Previous research has shown that diet and exercise can improve and reverse this condition. The goal of this study was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) program into diverse family medicine practices to improve MetS. METHODS: In this longitudinal before-after study, 305 adult patients with MetS were recruited from 3 diverse family medicine team-based organizations to the CHANGE personalized diet and exercise program. Participants were followed for 12 months. Primary outcomes included feasibility and reversal of MetS. Secondary outcomes included improvement in MetS components, changes in diet quality, aerobic fitness and cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: Participants attended 76% and 90% of the kinesiologist and dietitian visits, respectively. At 12 months, 19% of patients (95% confidence interval [CI] 14%-24%) showed reversal of MetS, VO2max increased by 16% (95% CI 13%-18%), and Healthy Eating Index and Mediterranean Diet Scores improved by 9.6% (95% CI 7.6%-11.6%) and 1.4% (1.1%-1.6%), respectively. In addition, the Prospective Cardiovascular Munster (PROCAM) 10-year risk of acute coronary event decreased by 1.4%, from a baseline of 8.6%. INTERPRETATION: A team-based program led by the family physician that educates patients about the risks of MetS, and with a dietitian and kinesiologist, empowers them to undertake an individualized supervised program of diet modification and exercise, is feasible, improves aerobic capacity and diet quality, reverses MetS and improves MetS components at 12 months.

Eliciting Provider and Patient Perspectives on New Obesity Management Services in a Team-Based Primary Care Organization.

PURPOSE: Both providers and patients may have important insights to inform the development of obesity prevention and management services in Canadian primary care settings. In this formative study, insights for new obesity management services were sought from both providers and patients in 1 progressive citywide organization (150 physicians, team services, separate offices). METHODS: Seven focus groups with interprofessional health providers (n = 56) and 4 focus groups with patients (n = 34) were conducted. Two clinical vignettes (adult, child) were used to focus discussion. Four analysts coded for descriptive content and interpretative themes on possible tools and care processes using NVivo. RESULTS: Participants identified numerous strategies for care processes, most of which could be categorized into 1 or more of 11 themes: 6 directed at clinical care of patients (raising awareness, screening, clinical care, skill building, ongoing support, and social/peer support) and 5 directed at the organization (coordination/collaboration, creating awareness among health professionals, adding new expertise to the team, marketing, and lobbying/advocacy). CONCLUSIONS: The approach was successful in generating an extensive list of diverse activities to be considered for implementation studies. Both patients and providers identified that multiple strategies and systems approaches will be needed to address obesity management in primary care.

Obesity services planning framework for interprofessional primary care organizations.

Aim We report on a formative project to develop an organization-level planning framework for obesity prevention and management services. BACKGROUND: It is common when developing new services to first develop a logic model outlining expected outcomes and key processes. This can be onerous for single primary care organizations, especially for complex conditions like obesity. METHODS: The initial draft was developed by the research team, based on results from provider and patient focus groups in one large Family Health Team (FHT) in Ontario. This draft was reviewed and activities prioritized by 20 FHTs using a moderated electronic consensus process. A national panel then reviewed the draft. Findings Providers identified five main target groups: pregnancy to 2, 3-12, 13-18, 18+ years at health risk, and 18+ with complex care needs. Desired outcomes were identified and activities were prioritized under categories: raising awareness (eg, providing information and resources on weight-health), identification and initial management (eg, wellness care), follow-up management (eg, group programs), expanded services (eg, availability of team services), and practice initiatives (eg, interprofessional education). Overall, there was strong support for raising awareness by providing information on the weight-health connection and on community services. There was also strong support for growth assessment in pediatric care. In adults, there was strong support for wellness care/health check visits and episodic care to identify people for interventions, for group programs, and for additional provider education. CONCLUSIONS: Joint development by different teams proved useful for consensus on outcomes and for ensuring relevancy across practices. While priorities will vary depending on local context, the basic descriptions of care processes were endorsed by reviewers. Key next steps are to trial the use of the framework and for further implementation studies to find optimally effective approaches for obesity prevention and management across the lifespan.