1 research outputs found
Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss: a group-based program for Emiratis in Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Background: Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss (LIFE-8) is developed as a structured,
group-based weight management program for Emiratis with obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is a
3-month program followed by a 1-year follow-up. The results from the first 2 years are presented
here to indicate the possibility of its further adaptation and implementation in this region.
Methodology: We recruited 45 participants with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes based on
inclusion/exclusion criteria. The LIFE-8 program was executed by incorporating dietary
modification, physical activity, and behavioral therapy, aiming to achieve up to 5% weight loss.
The outcomes included body weight, fat mass, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting
blood glucose (FBG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and nutritional knowledge at 3 months and
12 months.
Results: We observed a reduction of 5.0% in body weight (4.8±2.8 kg; 95% CI 3.7–5.8),
fat mass (–7.8%, P,0.01), and waist circumference (Δ=4±4 cm, P,0.01) in the completed
participants (n=28). An improvement (P,0.05) in HbA1c (7.1%±1.0% vs 6.6%±0.7%) and FBG
(8.2±2.0 mmol/L vs 6.8±0.8 mmol/L) was observed in participants with obesity and type 2
diabetes after the program. Increase in nutritional knowledge (,0.01) and overall evaluation
of the program (9/10) was favorable. On 1-year follow-up, we found that the participants
could sustain weight loss (–4.0%), while obese, type 2 diabetic participants sustained HbA1c
(6.6%±0.7% vs 6.4%±0.7%) and further improved (P,0.05) the level of FBG (6.8±0.8 mmol/L
vs 6.7±0.4 mmol/L).
Conclusion: LIFE-8 could be an effective, affordable, acceptable, and adaptable lifestyle
intervention program for the prevention and management of diabetes in Emiratis. It was
successful not only in delivering a modest weight loss but also in improving glycemic control
in diabetic participants