Objective: Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial disease that can lead to many complications. Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on public health, access to comprehensive obesity treatment within the public healthcare system remains limited. Designed ans methods The aim of this study is to present the outcomes of a therapeutic program implemented under the National Health Fund (NFZ) in a major provincial city. Design and method: Data from 412 patients (71% women) hospitalized at the Day Care Obesity Ward were analyzed from September 2022 to September 2023. The mean age of the participants was 47.6 ± 12.5 years, and the median age was 47 years. 70.6% of the participants were from urban areas, while 29.4% lived in rural areas. During the 12-month program, patients were cared for by a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists. All patients received comprehensive non-pharmacological treatment, and some also pharmacological. 65.4% completed the one-year program. Results: At the time of enrollment, 65.2% of participants had a body mass index (BMI) between 30–40 kg/m2, while 31.7% had a BMI exceeding 40 kg/m2. A high prevalence of comorbidities was observed in the study group. Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism (prediabetes and type 2 diabetes) were present in 52.9% of patients, arterial hypertension in 27.9%, and obstructive sleep apnea in 22.8%. During the one-year therapeutic program, the average body weight reduction was 5.4%. Improvement in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels was noted in 51.8% of participants, while 68.7% experienced a reduction in blood pressure values. Lipid profile improvement was observed in 58% of patients. Conclusions: Complex therapeutic intervention demonstrates effectiveness in the treatment of obesity and is possible within NHF.
Szmygel et al. (Fri,) studied this question.