Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: A large proportion of the Portuguese population has overweight and the process of weight loss is often focused solely on weight. However, it is essential that there is a good evolution of the body composition, namely in the decrease of fat.

Objective: Evaluate the anthropometric and body composition evolution in a group of individuals followed for a weight loss.

Methodology: This sample consisted of 30 adult and who were being followed up at a weight loss clinic. An initial anthropometric evaluation (M0) was performed by weight (kg) and height (cm) and body mass index (kg/m²) was calculated. Body composition was assessed using a tetrapolar bioimpedance (Bodystat 1500) and it was prescribed a structured individual food plan. The body composition evaluation included fat (%), fat mass (kg), fat free mass (%) and total body water (%). The same evaluations were performed after 1 month (M1) and 2 months (M2).

Results: This sample consisted of 70% (n=21) of female subjects and had a mean age of 40 (±12.9) years. The percentage of the mean weight lost to M1 was 3.44 (±3.38)% and up to the M2 of 5.53 (±3.13)%. The mean body fat percentage lost to M1 was 3.69 (±5.86)% and up to M2 of 6.93 (±5.50)%. Women lost a higher percentage of weight, but men lost a higher percentage of fat. Weight and fat loss were always higher in the first month in both sexes.

Conclusions: Despite the evolution of weight loss, it is in the decrease of body fat that there is a greater evolution, and it is in the first month that the positive evolution in these parameters was more pronounced.