B0628 - Participation in a Community-Based Weight Loss Program Showed Significant Improvement in Patient Reported Outcomes of Their Mental and Physical Health

Introduction: Obesity related GI disorders can have significant impact on mortality and quality of life. The cornerstone of treatment is lifestyle modifications through diet and exercise, in order to achieve greater than 10 % total body weight loss (TBWL). We have previously shown that in our community-based weight management program 65% of participants achieve >10% TWBL. The program addresses diet, exercise, sleep and mindfulness in order to achieve weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a structured weight loss program in patient reported outcomes of physical and mental aspects of health.

Methods: The 12-item short-form (SF-12) survey was used to assess physical and mental health.

Participants filled out the SF-12 survey at the time of enrollment and after at least 3 months. Patients were placed on a 12-week 800 calorie meal replacement diet (OPTIFAST®) then transitioned to a plant predominant or Mediterranean diet. A total of 43 participants from July 2020 to June 2022 were identified who had two surveys at least 3 months apart. Surveys were scored using https://orthotoolkit.com/sf-12/. Paired t-tests were preformed on the mental component score (MCS) and physical component score (PCS) pre and post participation. An unpaired t-test was preformed on the change in MCS and PCS in participants who achieved >10% TBWL versus those who did not.

Results: The mean MCS increased from 47.4 to 53.4 (p value=0.001009) through participation. The mean PCS increased from 44.7 to 48.6 (p value =0.006272). Of the 43 patients identified, 33 achieved >10% TBWL. The mean difference between the post participation MCS and enrollment MCS in participants who had >10% TBWL was not significantly different than participants who had < 10% TBWL (5.8 vs 6.81, p value=0.809). Likewise, the mean difference between the post participation PCS and enrollment PCS in participants who had >10% TBWL was not significantly different than participants who had < 10% TBWL (4.1 vs 2.9, p value=0.72).

Discussion: Participation in a weekly support group focused on education about diet, sleep optimization, exercise and teaching mediation techniques was associated with improved SF-12 scores independent of achieving a 10% body weight loss. This suggests that focused education about the four pillars of wellness may independently improve SF-12 scores. More research is needed to corroborate these findings.