European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

IMPACT OF SHORT-TERM EDUCATIONAL NUTRITIONAL PROGRAM ON THE BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS AND BMI OF A SAMPLE OF OBESE FEMALE PATIENTS AGED (18 - 45 YEARS OLD) IN AL-KINDY OBESITY RESEARCH AND THERAPY UNIT

Dr. Noor Hamza Abdulkhudhur* and Dr. Mohammed Asaad Ibrahim

ABSTRACT

The obesity is an increase in the fat component of the body. It is associated with a variety of chronic diseases. However, the interrelationship that exists between lifestyle, diet, physical activity, and other determinates of obesity needs to be clarified. Weight reduction reduces health risks associated with chronic diseases and is therefore encouraged by major health agencies. This study aimed to improve the behavioral parameters of the patients to reduce their weight through behavioral therapy and active nutritional program. A total of 100 patients who attended the Obesity Research and Therapy Unit, at Al-Kindy College of Medicine during the period from 2nd of January to the 31th of December 2017, were included in the study (all of them were obese females) from different areas of Baghdad. Data were collected included: patient age, marital status, number of children, residency, level of education, employment, socioeconomic status, body weight, height, waist circumference and a number of behavioral parameters. Results revealed that the mean age of our patients was (32.16±7.14)years, mean BMI at 1st visit was (33.45 ± 1.37), 2nd visit (32.42 ± 1.41), 3rd visit (31.41 ± 1.48), 4th visit (30.67 ± 1.61). The mean of behavioral score at 1st visit, 2nd visit, 3rd visit, 4th visit were (5), (9), (21), (22) respectively, which showed a significant improvement. Having a university level of education, good socioeconomic status, employment, being physically active, younger age(<40 years old) and having 2 or fewer children were significantly associated with better weight reduction, (p-value < 0.05). Single women although not significantly associated with the reduction of BMI, but they have more weight loss than married women.

Keywords: Nutritional Program, Behavioral Parameters, BMI.