Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2849

Modern way of life is characterized by lack of physical activity and the abundance of food. This food abundance is due to the miracles of modern technology applied in farming which allows the production of enough food to sustain the increasing earth population. However, poverty still exists, leading to the necessity to consume food rich in carbohydrates and lipids. This modern way of life has led to the increasing incidence and prevalence of obesity. Obesity is characterized by increased morbidity and mortality which may be due to arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and premature atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus type 2. Numerous agents have recently emerged for the management of obesity with debatable results. The aim was to describe a cohort of patients with obesity followed up at a tertiary facility who were managed by multiple management plans and were led to successfully lose weight over a period of 5 years. A cohort of 30 patients with obesity is described. Patients presented with obesity and thyroid disorders and diabetes mellitus type 2 in 20 of the patients. They were managed by various treatment plans and various diets over a period of 5 years. In particular, triiodothyronine was administered to some patients if they had a coexisting thyroid disorder, metformin was administered to some patients if they had diabetes mellitus type 2 and GLP-1 receptor agonists were administered to some of the patients if they were refractory to treatment. A minority of the patients, 3 patients achieved weight loss with diet and a program of physical activity. A group of 23 patients were refractory to the administration of either triiodothyronine or metformin and a plan of diet and physical activity. This group of patients was administered GLP-1 receptor agonists and achieved weight loss 1.8-10.2 kg. Four patients were referred to surgeons for surgical treatment of obesity and returned for follow up with the administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists. One patient in the group who had surgical treatment developed a large abdominal abscess and had to have corrective surgery. Patients who had surgical treatment for obesity management achieved weight loss, however, they needed follow-up treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Obesity is a chronic disease refractory to treatment. Recurrence is common. However, it appears that multimodal treatment with diet, a plan of physical activity and the use of multiple pharmaceutical agents including GLP-1 receptor agonists may lead to successful weight loss in the majority of patients.