GATINEAU, Quebec--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Weight loss with the Ideal Protein Protocol, a medically designed and developed protocol for weight loss and weight maintenance, has been shown to potentially reduce healthcare claims and improve key markers of cardiac and metabolic health, according to findings detailed in two poster presentations unveiled at ObesityWeek 2016 in New Orleans today.
The two studies with the Ideal Protein Protocol were led by cardiologist Timothy N. Logemann, MD, FACC, ABOM of Aspirus, a self-insured community-directed health system based in Wausau, Wisconsin. At ObesityWeek 2016, Dr. Logemann presented top HSR abstract winner Effect of the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Protocol on Employee Health Care Costs and Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Advanced Lipid Profiles. Authors of both studies are Dr. Timothy Logemann; David K. Murdock, MD, MS, FACC, FACP, FSCAI and Kelly O’Heron, RD. John Grady also contributed to Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Advanced Lipid Profiles.
The Ideal Protein Protocol is a four-phase, low carbohydrate, moderate protein, ketogenic weight management solution. Many healthcare practitioners offer the protocol to their patients to help them lose weight and as a result, reverse metabolic syndrome – the cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels that are often pre-cursors to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
As the obesity epidemic escalates, associated healthcare costs are rising in proportion. The price tag for overweight and obesity in America is estimated to range from $147 billion to nearly $210 billion per year in direct and non-direct medical costs, including surgery, medications, counseling, and cost for treating obesity-related complications.1
Effect of the Ideal Protein Weight Loss Protocol on Employee Healthcare Costs
In the study, Aspirus followed 306 employees who had successfully completed the Ideal Protein Protocol and analyzed claims costs for these employees from 2013 to 2015. Results from the study indicated an average of $916.97 (18% reduction) decrease in overall average costs. Females had the greatest decrease from 2013 to 2015 averaging -$974.71 (17%) from 2013. Comparing 2013 to 2015, males reduced their claims by -$472.88 (19% reduction).
“As a self-insured organization, we are very encouraged by these outcomes,” said Dr. Logemann, “This indicates that by offering workplace weight interventions, employers can potentially save between $500 and $1000 annually per employee on medical claims. With 70 percent of the U.S. population of overweight or obese,2 multiply those numbers accordingly – these types of workplace wellness initiatives could potentially save the insurance industry billions of dollars a year in claims related to the health complications of excess weight.”
Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Advanced Lipid Profiles
Twenty patients (BMI >35) were enrolled in the 12 week study with the Ideal Protein Protocol, Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Advanced Lipid Profiles. Sixteen patients completed the study, constituting an 80% compliance rate. Besides noticeable results in weight reduction, findings indicate that the Ideal Protein Protocol also has a positive effect on lipid abnormalities, with significant reductions observed in glucose and triglyceride levels. The Ideal Protein Protocol also has a positive effect on insulin, insulin resistance, and parameters of metabolic syndrome.
“It is gratifying to see that these scientific findings mirror the patient outcomes we see regularly at our clinic with the Ideal Protein Protocol,” continued Dr. Logemann, “The results demonstrate that when we address obesity as the root problem instead of just treating the symptoms, there is significant improvement in markers of cardiovascular and metabolic health as a result.”
The studies were funded by Aspirus with a grant from Ideal Protein, and performed by Aspirus research.
About Ideal Protein
The Ideal Protein Protocol is medically designed and developed and is consistent with evidence-based guidelines for weight loss management and maintenance. The protocol tackles the root cause of weight gain – the body’s overproduction of insulin - by restricting consumption of sugars and carbohydrates- achieving optimal results through lowering poor fat intake, while maintaining adequate protein intake to preserve muscle mass. It is exclusively available from Ideal Protein’s approved health care professionals and trained coaches. For more information, visit www.IdealProtein.com.
1 Cawley J and Meyerhoefer C. The Medical Care Costs of Obesity: An Instrumental Variables Approach. Journal of Health Economics, 31(1): 219-230, 2012; And Finkelstein, Trogdon, Cohen, et al. Annual Medical Spending Attributable to Obesity. Health Affairs, 2009.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Obese and Overweight. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/obesity-overweight.htm
