Evaluation Of A Weight Management Strategy In A Private Hospital In Accra

ABSTRACT Background: The high prevalence of overweight and obesity is reported to be a major contribution to the increased level of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana. It has been reported that 80% of premature deaths from NCDs can be prevented through known dietary and life style interventions. A recent survey indicates that 18% of Ghanaians have been diagnosed with at least one NCD, with 45% of this number receiving dietary and life style interventions. The effectiveness of these interventions needs to be studied. Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of diet and lifestyle interventions prescribed to weight loss patients who attend the diet therapy department in a private hospital in Accra. The specific objective is to evaluate the strategy adopted by the dietitian and to determine the adherence levels of participants. Methods: A partly retrospective and prospective study design was employed. Interviewer administered questionnaires were given to 70 clinically stable consenting male (15) and female (55) patients, aged 18 years and above, enrolled in weight management in a private hospital in Accra. Anthropometric data was obtained retrospectively from participant’s records at the diet therapy unit while data on adherence level was collected prospectively with the use of questionnaires. Results: Participants recorded significant changes in weight and BMI (p