Minerva Gastroenterologica e Dietologica 2010;56(Suppl. 1 al N. 2):1-65

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The obese patient: clinical effectiveness of a high-protein low-calorie diet and its usefulness in the field of surgery

Iannitti T. ¹, Palmieri B. ² ✉

¹ Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; ² Department of General Surgery and Surgical Specialties, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Medical School Surgical Clinic, Modena, Italy

Obesity has become a concern of epidemic proportion involving globally both children and adults. Although genetically linked, lack of physical activity and the outstanding growing of the food market are the main behavioral causes of obesity. Furthermore, it is related to several diseases which may impair the life quality, but also lead to death. Atkins nutritional approach has become really popular since the publication of Dr Atkins’ first book “Dr. Atkins’ Diet Revolution” in 1972. This approach, although very criticized by some dieticians, has been used as a model for a lot of high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets that are nowadays widely used. The evidence that obese people experience a more adverse outcome in a medical and surgical Intensive Care Unit, compared with non-obese pairs, has risen the issue of the importance of an appropriate feeding. Could obese people benefit from a high-protein diet? Is this approach related to adverse effects? Can a high-protein diet bring benefits to obese patients undergoing surgery? This review deals with this matters reporting the use of high-protein diets in clinical trials involving obese subjects.