The Particulars: The effects of long-term, intensive lifestyle interventions focused on weight loss for obese adults with diabetes are not well known in regard to heart attack and stroke.
Data Breakdown: Participants in a clinical trial were randomized to physical activity and weight loss interventions (lifestyle group) or diabetes support and education (controls) and followed for up to 11.5 years. Although patients in the lifestyle group maintained a weight loss of 6% of body weight, compared with a 3.5% rate among controls, the lifestyle group did not achieve reduced risks of cardiovascular morbidity or mortality, or LDL-cholesterol levels. However, the lifestyle group did experience reduced risk of kidney disease, self-reported retinopathy, depressive symptoms, and annual hospital rates and costs, as well as improved physical quality of life, and greater reductions in A1C.
Take Home Pearls: Long-term, intensive lifestyle interventions focused on weight loss do not appear to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes among obese adults with diabetes. However, such programs do help patients maintain substantial weight loss and reduce risks of several obesity-related complications.
