Intensive Multidisciplinary Approach to the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Syndrome in a Primary Care Setting: A Pilot Study
Abstract
Metabolic Syndrome (“MetS”) is a spectrum of diseases characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, low HDL, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia that is estimated to affect at least 1/3 of Americans. Initial treatment for this condition is centered around comprehensive lifestyle change, which can be curative, but presents challenges to clinicians and patients alike. Evidence repeatedly demonstrates its proven baleful effects. Intensive interventions in the form of a multidisciplinary approach with frequent follow-up and group-based encounters have shown particular promise. Thus, we constructed a pilot study reviewing lifestyle interventions in the setting of an outpatient primary care family medicine residency clinic to add to this body of research, assess generalizability, determine possible benefits of such a program, and develop and improve the program’s methods. Our approach to reversing metabolic syndrome spanned over a 12-month period. The study’s components were designed during the first trial year, and included frequent physician visits, 90-minute monthly group sessions, and in-house consultations with dietetic students, behavioral health, and pharmacy. Patients were enrolled by recommendation from their primary care provider or patient request. Evaluations included pre- and post-intervention markers of MetS, including blood pressure, weight, and BMI. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were collected to compare subjective scoring of life function, motivations to make behavioral changes, and overall health. Findings from the pilot study noted weight and BMI trended up and blood pressure trended down. Due to a limited sample size of participants, participation rate, and sampling bias, this led to insufficient data to assess for statistical significance. However, qualitative data revealed an overall positive experience with the group visits. Future application of this program include improved recruiting and retaining of participants and the continued development of educational materials to expand topics for future sessions.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 4:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Clinical Resident or Fellow
Faculty Mentor
Mary Axelrad
Faculty Department
Family Medicine
Intensive Multidisciplinary Approach to the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Syndrome in a Primary Care Setting: A Pilot Study
Metabolic Syndrome (“MetS”) is a spectrum of diseases characterized by obesity, insulin resistance, low HDL, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia that is estimated to affect at least 1/3 of Americans. Initial treatment for this condition is centered around comprehensive lifestyle change, which can be curative, but presents challenges to clinicians and patients alike. Evidence repeatedly demonstrates its proven baleful effects. Intensive interventions in the form of a multidisciplinary approach with frequent follow-up and group-based encounters have shown particular promise. Thus, we constructed a pilot study reviewing lifestyle interventions in the setting of an outpatient primary care family medicine residency clinic to add to this body of research, assess generalizability, determine possible benefits of such a program, and develop and improve the program’s methods. Our approach to reversing metabolic syndrome spanned over a 12-month period. The study’s components were designed during the first trial year, and included frequent physician visits, 90-minute monthly group sessions, and in-house consultations with dietetic students, behavioral health, and pharmacy. Patients were enrolled by recommendation from their primary care provider or patient request. Evaluations included pre- and post-intervention markers of MetS, including blood pressure, weight, and BMI. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were collected to compare subjective scoring of life function, motivations to make behavioral changes, and overall health. Findings from the pilot study noted weight and BMI trended up and blood pressure trended down. Due to a limited sample size of participants, participation rate, and sampling bias, this led to insufficient data to assess for statistical significance. However, qualitative data revealed an overall positive experience with the group visits. Future application of this program include improved recruiting and retaining of participants and the continued development of educational materials to expand topics for future sessions.