Impact of anti-obesity medication initiation and duration on weight loss in a comprehensive weight loss programme.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of anti-obesity medication (AOM) initiation, usage and duration on weight loss in a 72-week precision obesity programme. The type of AOM, diet and exercise plan was chosen based upon an individual's biological and psychosocial needs. The 72-week study duration allowed for a fair investigation of the downstream impact of delayed versus early AOM initiation. METHODS: Participants, aged ≥18 years with body mass index ≥30 kg m-2, enrolled from 1 March 2015 to 1 April 2017, were included. Subgroups were assigned by AOM usage (users versus non-users, early [before 8 weeks] versus delayed [after 8 weeks] AOM initiation and short [<6 months] versus long [≥6 months] AOM duration). Primary endpoints included change in baseline weight at 72 weeks and proportions achieving ≥5%, ≥10% and ≥15% weight loss. Outcomes were compared between subgroups. RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index (N = 129) were 45.0 ± 14.0 years and 37.0 ± 6.0 kg m-2, respectively; 67% were female. At week 72, AOM users (N = 71) achieved significantly greater mean percentage reduction in baseline weight than non-users (N = 58). On average, baseline weight decreased by 14.04 ± 6.2% in users versus 10.9 ± 6.8% in non-users (P = 0.008); 84% and 94% of non-user and AOM users lost >5% weight loss (P = 0.006). A higher proportion of users lost ≥15% of weight (45.1% vs. 19.0%; P < 0.001). Mean percentage reduction in weight was greater for early versus delayed starters (-17.60 ± 5.3% vs. -13.95 ± 5.5%; P = 0.024), and longer AOM usage trended towards increased weight loss. CONCLUSION: Early initiation of AOM may enhance weight loss.

Gestational diabetes: a red flag for future Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy? A retrospective analysis.

AIMS: This study sought to understand the relationship between Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy and previous gestational diabetes (GDM), and determine whether a previous pregnancy with GDM was associated with subsequent better pregnancy planning. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy was conducted at three teaching hospitals to ascertain whether they had earlier GDM, and to determine whether this is associated with differences in measures of pregnancy planning and diabetes management. RESULTS: Of 172 index pregnancies affected by Type 2 diabetes, in 76 (44%) cases, the mother had a previous history of GDM. Within this cohort, a diagnosis of 'overt diabetes in pregnancy', made on the basis of a GTT result during pregnancy in the WHO diabetic range with persistent diabetes post partum, was more common among women who had previous GDM than women who had not had GDM (20% vs 7%, P = 0.02). Women who previously had GDM did not exhibit a higher incidence of preconception planning or folate supplementation. CONCLUSIONS: It is common for women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy to have had GDM previously. The diagnosis of GDM is an opportunity to improve future pregnancy planning and outcomes for women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. This goal is yet to be realized.

Targeted intervention reduces refracture rates in patients with incident non-vertebral osteoporotic fractures: a 4-year prospective controlled study.

UNLABELLED: In the present prospective controlled observational study, we investigated the effect of a coordinated intervention program on 4-year refracture rates in patients with recent osteoporotic fractures. Compared to standard care, targeted identification, and management significantly reduced the risk of refracture by more than 80%. INTRODUCTION: The risk of refracture following an incident osteoporotic fracture is high. Despite the availability of treatments that reduce refracture and mortality rates, most patients with minimal trauma fracture (MTF) are not managed appropriately. The present prospective controlled observational study investigated the effect of a coordinated intervention program on 4-year refracture rates and time to refracture in patients with recent osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: Patients presenting with a non-vertebral MTF were actively identified and offered referral to a dedicated intervention program. Patients attending the clinic underwent a standardized set of investigations, were treated as indicated and reviewed at 12-monthly intervals ('MTF group'). Patients who elected to follow-up with their primary care physician were assigned to the concurrent control group. RESULTS: Groups were balanced for baseline anthropometric, socio-economic, and clinical risk factors. Over 4 years, 10 out of 246 patients (4.1%) in the MTF group and 31 of 157 patients (19.7%) in the control group suffered a new fracture, with a median time to refracture of 26 and 16 months, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared to the intervention group, the risk of refracture was increased by 5.3-fold in the control group (95% CI: 2.8-12.2, p < 0.01), and remained elevated (HR 5.63, 95%CI 2.73-11.6, p < 0.01) after adjustment for other significant predictors of refracture such as age and body weight. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting with a minimal trauma non-vertebral fracture, active identification and management significantly reduces the risk of refracture (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN 12606000108516).