Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Effective conventional medical treatments for obesity are limited and patients with obesity seeking alternative forms of health care for weight loss. While several previous studies have examined patterns of complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) use in different populations, limited data are available on the relationship between obesity and use of CAT. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to overview the alternative therapy methods in obese patients.

Material and methods: Total 105, 22(21%) male and 83(79%) female patients were included this study. The body mass index (BMI) of female patients was 37.4±7.0 kg/m² and BMI of male patient’s 35.5±3.8 kg/m² were. Sixty-six (% 62.9) of the patients used or still using alternative therapy methods. While evaluating the study group there were no significant difference found according to their economic status, sex and educational level (P>0.05). The BMI of the patients who use alternative therapy methods were 38.02±7.2 kg/m², and BMI of the patients who does not lean to those alternative supplements is 35.4±4.5 kg/m² (P=0.02). Comparing the duration of illness, it is most likely to use complimentary and alternative therapy methods who suffer from obesity for over 15 years (P=0.03). Most frequently used products were natural herbs (83.4%). Following this comes; acupuncture and massage. Of 30.1% of the cases claims that they temporary benefited from these products and methods, 30.5% said that they didn’t benefit and 39.4% don’t have a clear idea about whether they have benefited or not.

Conclusion: It is known that not only in our country but also all over the world the alternative therapy methods are widely used. We think that in our country, because of lacking education for obesity, patients are most likely to search alternative therapy methods.