Evaluation of Group Versus Individual Nutrition Education in Overweight Patients with Myocardial Infarction*

Thirty-nine obese patients (weighing in excess of 110% of ideal weight) were studied for 52 weeks following admission to the Coronary Care Unit with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the study was to compare, chiefly by anthropometric measurements, the response to a structured nutrition education program provided by a dietitian using three different levels of time involvement with the patients, firstly individual patient education, secondly group education and thirdly the issuing of written material only. Although there was no significant difference in the mean weight loss between the three education groups (8.1, 7.5 and 8.9 kg respectively) there was a trend towards more uniform weight reduction in those who received individual education. All but two of the 28 who attended at 52 weeks achieved weight loss. Thirteen patients attained 110% or less of their ideal weight, a 46% success rate. Reduction in body weight and most of the other anthropometric measurements occurred in the first twelve weeks of study, with no further significant weight change to 52 weeks. While these observations suggest that the overweight patient with acute myocardial infarction need not be subject to intensive nutrition education at the time of presentation, a more aggressive follow-up programme in subsequent months is recommended.