Multicenter randomized evaluation of a nutritional education software in obese patients

Objective: To study the efficacy of the nutritional education software, Nut ri-Expert, in the management of obese adult patients. Material and Methods: Two groups of obese patients were followed up over on e year in a randomized study: the first group received close traditional ma nagement (seven nutritional visits over the year, with physicians and dieti tians conjointly) and the second one also used at home by Minitel the Nutri -Expert system. 557 patients were enrolled in the study by 16 French center s of diabetology and nutrition. Body mass index(BMI), tests of dietetic kno wledge, dietary records and centralized biological measurements were assess ed at inclusion, 6 and 12 months. 341 patients were evaluable at the end of the year. Results: The group using Nutri-Expert scored significantly better in the te sts of dietetic knowledge than the control group. Far all patients, nutriti onal education led to a significant improvement in BMI, dietary records and biological measurements, without significant difference between the two gr oups. Five years after the end of the study, the weight of 148 patients was recorded; mean BMI was significantly lower than the initial value but ther e was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: In the management of obese patients, Nutri-Expert system has a role to play in reinforcing nutritional knowledge; if regular follow-up is not possible, or if a large series of obese patients is to be treated, Nutr i-Expert could partly replace traditional management, for example between v isits.