Studies from J.C. Dekkers and Co-Researchers in the Area of Cardiovascular Research Published.(Report)

According to a study from Amsterdam, Netherlands, "Overweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] >= 25 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2)) are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, posing a considerable burden to public health. The main aim of this study was to investigate lifestyle intervention effects on cardiovascular risk factors in healthy overweight employees."

"Participants were 276 healthy overweight employees (69.2% male; mean age 44.0 years [SD 9.2]; mean BMI 29.7 kg/m(2) [SD 3.1]). They were randomized to one of two intervention groups receiving a six month lifestyle intervention with behavior counseling by phone (phone group) or e-mail (Internet group), or to a control group receiving usual care. Body weight, height, waist circumference, sum of skinfolds, blood pressure, total cholesterol level and predicted aerobic fitness were measured at baseline, at 6 and at 24 months. Regression analyses included the 141 participants with complete data. At 6 months a significant favorable effect on total cholesterol level (-0.2 mmol/l, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.0) was observed in the phone group and a trend for improved aerobic fitness (1.9 ml/kg/min, 95% CI -0.2 to 3.9) in the Internet group. At two years, favorable trends for body weight (-2.1 kg, 95% CI -4.4 to 0.2) and aerobic fitness (2.3 ml/kg/min, 95% CI -0.2 to 4.8) were observed in the Internet group. The intervention effects were independent of the used communication mode. However short-term results were in favor of the phone group and long-term results in favor of the internet group," wrote J.C. Dekkers and colleagues (see also Cardiovascular Research).

The researchers concluded: "Thus, we found limited evidence for our lifestyle intervention to be effective in reducing cardiovascular risk in a group of apparently healthy overweight workers."

Dekkers and colleagues published the results of their research in BMC Public Health (Comparative effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on cardiovascular risk factors among a Dutch overweight working population: A randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 2011;11():49).

For additional information, contact J.C. Dekkers, Vrije University Amsterdam Med Center, EMGO Institute, Van der Boechorststr 7, NL-1081 BT Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS.

The publisher of the journal BMC Public Health can be contacted at: Biomedical Central Ltd., 236 Grays Inn Rd., Floor 6, London WC1X 8HL, England.

Keywords: City:Amsterdam, Country:Netherlands, Region:Europe, Cardiology, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Research, Public Health

This article was prepared by Cardiovascular Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Cardiovascular Week via NewsRx.com.