Avera Research Institute Releases Results on Healthy Weight Loss Study

SIOUX FALLS, SD (May 2007) – The Avera Research Institute has concluded a weight loss study to determine the effectiveness of experimental methods of providing a weight management program to individuals in rural settings. The purpose of the study was to measure the effectiveness of three outreach weight loss strategies compared to the conventional, office-based, structured weight loss program.

The results indicate that the outreach methods are just as effective as the conventional program. These results are important to patients and healthcare providers, since reducing body weight from an obese status may contribute to improved health and reduced risks for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal disorders, stroke, hypertension, and behavioral issues relating to obesity.

From a rural healthcare perspective, the results indicate that it is possible to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary weight loss program for low-risk obese patients that involves local and at-distance care providers using tele-health outreach measures.

“The study outcomes are exciting because they show how people in rural areas can benefit from this program, with as much success as those who participate in the traditional clinic,” observes Julie Fieldsend, with the Avera Research Institute. “Our friends and family in the rural areas of South Dakota now have access to the same weight management program with which so many people have already been successful.”

Successful weight loss programs for low-risk, overweight and obese patients require participation from many healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, nurses, dietitians, behavioral health clinicians, and exercise consultants.

The OPTIFAST^® Program for weight management was selected because of its medical supervision component. OPTIFAST is a low-calorie program that includes mandatory medical monitoring and behavior support elements, making it suitable for use with persons who have obesity-related complications. Weight loss programs, such as OPTIFAST, generally are easily accessible in urban setting; however, their effectiveness in rural states, like South Dakota, until now has not been studied. Click here to learn more about the OPTIFAST Program offered through the Avera Center for Medical Nutrition.

To see a list of studies currently enrolling participants, please click here.