An innovative model for changing the lifestyles of persons with obesity and/or Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim: To describe the multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention model used in an experimental CURIAMO (Centro Universitario Ricerca Interdipartimentale Attivita Motoria) project designed to validate the short- and long-term efficacy of the model in obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Research design and methods: Over a 3-yr period, about 1000 adults (70% diabetes-free and overweight or obese; 30% with Type 2 diabetes and overweight or obese). Inclusion criteria: Age range 18–80 yr, body mass index >27 kg/m2 with or without Type 2 diabetes mellitus; participants will be divided into three age groups (18–45, 45–65, 65–80 yr). The study duration will be from 5 to 6 yr: 1 yr of intervention followed by a mean follow-up period of 4 yr. In the first years, after a 4-month intensive lifestyle intervention, subjects will follow a maintenance programme. The intervention, which includes seven steps, involves the following experts: endocrinologists, sport medicine doctors or cardiologists, psychologists, dietitians, educators, nurses, exercise physiologists, and promoters of outdoor activities. Results: The main endpoint of the study is to measure the efficacy of the lifestyle improvement intervention, defined as a loss of at least 7% of body weight combined with an increase of at least 10 MET/h−1 week−1 of energy expenditure by physical activity, after 1 yr and during the follow-up. A cost/utility analysis of the model will be made in participants with diabetes. Conclusions: We expect that the CURIAMO model will be highly effective, and that the aim of the intervention will be achieved in more than 70% of cases.