Nutrition Therapy Clinic

KATE’S SUCCESS STORY ……
One of hundreds that we have on our files.

A CASE HISTORY

Introduction

Kate came to Nutrition Therapy Clinic in April 2000 for our assistance with weight reduction. She was an attractive woman in her early 30s, but appeared older as a consequence of her obesity. Kate weighed 94.4 kgs (BMI 34.7) and had increased her weight following the birth of her second child eight  years earlier. Prior to this Kate had kept her weight at around 59 kgs.

Food

Kate’s basic three meals seemed satisfactory, but between meal nibbling was a problem and it was here that changes were needed. Kate was given an eating plan to follow that was low in fat with defined amounts of carbohydrate and protein, she was also asked to buy some measuring cups, to eat her evening meal earlier, and to keep a food and exercise diary. Over the following months more specific food information was given.

Exercise

Kate had a sedentary job and was not involved in any sporting activities or exercise. Kate was asked to start walking, daily if possible, and to aim for at least three and a half hours in total each week.

Progress

Over the following eight months Kate was seen at weekly intervals. Initially some hunger was experienced, but this soon abated. Kate’s determination to succeed caused her to extend the advised walking time of 30 minutes to 50. This determination to do more than was asked of her proved to be characteristic of Kate. For muscle toning a resistance exercise programme was added, then an exercycle. Within six weeks Kate was exercising for an hour every day. By then Kate had been following her programme for two months and had lost 8.6 kgs. At 14 weeks, 14 kgs had been shed. Kate was then asked to keep a detailed three day food record for computer analysis. The analysis revealed all nutrient requirements were being met with the exception of iron, zinc, and Vitamin E. The daily energy intake averaged 1050 kcals. Advice was given on food items to include to remedy the deficits.

Results

By December, Kate’s weight had dropped to 66kg (BMI 24.2). Kate was a different woman, a very beautiful woman. The exercise, pursued so relentlessly, had changed her body composition and toned and increased Kate’s muscle mass. A Wedderburn electrical impedance scale enabled the changes to be tracked at every visit to clinic.

Discussion

Kate lost 28.4 kgs over eight months, which is a more rapid rate of loss than we would normally expect. Energy levels increased as time passed and the weight came down. There was no suggestion of an iron deficit, but we did advise Kate to have her levels checked in view of her low energy intake and past history of a low iron level. Test results proved to be normal.

Kate continues to attend Nutrition Therapy Clinic at regular intervals for on-going monitoring. She has maintained her exercise, which is recognised as a vital factor for long term weight maintenance, and is careful with her food choices. The accountability of ongoing professional follow-ups at our clinic contributes significantly to long term success with weight loss. The support offsets the possibility of relapse and weight gain. Kate is determined she will never allow herself to return to her former state.

Barbara Rigg
BHSc NZRD
Registered Dietitian