Therapeutic patient education in obesity: analysis of the 2005–2010 literature

Introduction: This review aims to highlight the main characteristics and the recent trends of TPE in obesity through the analysis of the international literature from 2005 to 2010. Method: Several databases were queried using as keywords: obesity, patient education, self management, programs. Data were selected filling in the “patient education research categories” (PERC) model of analysis. Articles really related to patient education in obesity (32 on 237) were considered, among which 24 evaluation studies have been analysed. Results: The selected articles, published in 22 scientific journals, concern TPE for 6483 overweight or obese patients. Delivered in several settings, group education is provided by a multi professional team and represents the most used strategy. A growing development of web-based interventions has been observed particularly for adolescents. The programs in which TPE is an important component beside other interventions and those in which TPE is the main intervention, demonstrate equal clinical effectiveness (weight loss, BMI) especially in short term. Positive outcomes of TPE in patient’s knowledge and self-management skills are particularly important regarding nutrition and physical activity. Conclusion: TPE can improve patients’ health outcomes in obesity. Further researches should focus on which kind of educational interventions is more effective.