Cohort Study of the Success of Controlled Weight Loss Programs for Obese Dogs

Abstract

BackgroundMost weight loss studies in obese dogs assess rate and percentage of weight loss in the first 2–3 months, rather than the likelihood of successfully reaching target weight.ObjectiveTo determine outcome of controlled weight loss programs for obese dogs, and to determine the factors associated with successful completion.Animals143 obese dogs undergoing a controlled weight loss program.MethodsThis was a cohort study of obese dogs attending a referral weight management clinic. Dogs were studied during their period of weight loss, and cases classified according to outcome as “completed” (reached target weight), “euthanized” (was euthanized before reaching target weight), or “stopped prematurely” (program stopped early for other reasons). Factors associated with successful completion were assessed using simple and multiple logistic regression.Results87/143 dogs (61%) completed their weight loss program, 11 [8%] died or were euthanized, and the remaining 45 [32%] stopped prematurely. Reasons for dogs stopping prematurely included inability to contact owner, refusal to comply with weight management advice, or development of another illness. Successful weight loss was positively associated with a faster rate (P < .001), a longer duration (P < .001), and feeding a dried weight management diet (P = .010), but negatively associated with starting body fat (P < .001), and use of dirlotapide (P = .0046).Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceJust over half of all obese dogs on a controlled weight loss program reach their target weight. Future studies should better clarify reasons for success in individual cases, and also the role of factors such as activity and behavioral modification.

Comparison of voluntary food intake and palatability of commercial weight loss diets in healthy dogs and cats

“…Husbandry practices would have differed markedly for example the timing and method of feeding, provision of water, the exercise undertaken, and also participation in play activity. Owner factors would also be a consideration, with concerns over compliance with the study protocol [14, 15, 18]. Moreover, there would likely have variability in experimental conduct when extrapolated to the home environment and a greater likelihood of errors made in the timing of meals and measurement of food consumption.…”

“…However, the same strategies do not perform as well in a clinical setting, for obese client-owned pets, with slower rates of weight loss observed despite marked energy restriction [14–17]. Further, many dogs and cats do not successfully reach their target weight, and this is most often because owners struggle to comply with the programme ultimately deciding to stop [18, 19]. A common problem that owners encounter is the fact that dietary energy restriction causes hunger, which causes increased begging and scavenging activity in their dog or cat.…”

“…Given the importance of obesity as a medical disease, and the recognition that current strategies are not perfect [18], there has been a great deal of recent interest in improving diets for controlled weight loss so as to improve outcomes. Indeed, in the last five years, new diets have been developed and become commercially available [24, 25], and many existing commercial weight loss diets have been reformulated [18].…”

“…Indeed, in the last five years, new diets have been developed and become commercially available [24, 25], and many existing commercial weight loss diets have been reformulated [18]. As a result, there is a need to assess the efficacy of diets that are currently available.…”

Dietary Aspects of Weight Management in Cats and Dogs

“…Two further in vivo studies showed a lack of clinical signs when participants were fed purpose-formulated weight management diets in a clinical setting. 20,21 These findings cannot be extrapolated to show that all veterinary therapeutic weight loss diets will not cause deficiency, but it suggests that there may be less inherent risk for nutrient deficiency with a purposeformulated diet for weight loss as opposed to feeding less of an adult maintenance diet. The optimal micronutrient profile for weight management is still unknown, although recent American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Weight Management Guidelines recommend consulting a board-certified veterinary nutritionist for cases that require fewer than 60% of resting energy requirements for ideal weight to ensure adequate diet formulation.…”