Abstract
Introduction: Obesity and its associated health conditions demand innovative interventions. The METAVIE program was developed as a transdisciplinary care initiative focused on sustainable weight loss and improvements in metabolic health. Surprisingly, patients who had not adhered to traditional methods showed the most significant outcomes with METAVIE after six months, as a result of its integrative and continuous care approach.
Methodology: The METAVIE program was conducted in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, with 32 patients aged 20 to 74 years (median age: 41 years), including 19 men and 13 women. The program was supported by a transdisciplinary team—comprising physicians, nutritionists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals—offering holistic and personalized care. Patients received individualized nutritional counseling, physical activity plans, and psychosocial support. Continuous monitoring was a central feature, allowing adaptation to best practices. Data were collected on weight, body composition (fat mass and lean mass), and history of prior treatment failures. Patients actively contributed to the development of their care strategies, based on personal preferences and limitations.
Results: After six months, patients who had not adhered to previous therapies showed the most significant improvements:
Weight loss: An average reduction of 12% of initial body weight.
Body composition: A significant reduction in fat mass (mean decrease of 9%) and an increase in lean mass (mean increase of 4%).
On average, patients reported eight unsuccessful attempts with previous obesity treatments.
Implications:
The results of METAVIE reinforce that continuous follow-up and patient involvement in designing their own treatment model are key factors for success, highlighting the value of adaptable, patient-centered approaches in transdisciplinary care. Outcomes suggest that meaningful change is especially possible for those with a history of irregular engagement. Future directions include scaling METAVIE to larger populations, integrating digital tools to enhance remote support, and evaluating long-term outcomes to further refine the care model.