A 2-Week Course of Enteral Treatment with a Very Low-Calorie Protein-Based Formula for the Management of Severe Obesity

Abstract EN

Background.

Multiple weight loss failures among obese patients suggest the design of new therapeutic strategies.

We investigated the role of 2-week course of enteral treatment with a very low-calorie protein-based formula in the management of severe obesity.

Methods.

We evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of 2-week continuous administration of a protein-based formula (1.2 g/kg of ideal body weight/day) by nasogastric tube in severely obese adults (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2).

Results.

In total, 364 patients (59% women; BMI = 46.6±7.2 kg/m2) were recruited.

The intervention was discontinued within 48 hours in 26 patients, due to nasogastric tube intolerance.

No serious adverse events occurred.

During the first and the second week, 65% and 80% patients, respectively, reported no side effects.

All biochemical safety parameters were affected by the intervention, particularly uric acid (+45%) and aminotransferases (+48%).

In the other cases the change was negligible.

We observed significant weight loss (5.7±2.3%) and improvement in blood pressure and glucose and lipid metabolism parameters (P<0.001).

Conclusions.

A 2-week course of enteral treatment with a very low-calorie protein-based formula appeared a feasible, likely safe, and efficacious therapeutic option to be considered for inclusion into a composite weight loss program for the management of severe obesity.

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01965990.