The metabolic fitness quotient.

The Metabolic Fitness Quotient (MFQ) is an assessment tool that evaluates a patient's metabolic status, quality of life, and behavioral life style risks. This 20-item Likert scale tool addresses laboratory values, metabolic syndrome risk factors, alcohol use, sleep patterns, exercise, tobacco use and, depression. This original tool was designed to keep the patient an active participant not only on their weight loss program but improving their metabolic status leading to metabolic fitness. Thirty-five patients whose only sign of metabolic disease was abdominal obesity were entered into an 8-week comprehensive commercial weight loss program. None were previously diagnosed with diabetes, HTN or dyslipidemia. All received a comprehensive blood analysis, which included a C-20, lipid panel, TSH, HbA1C and a VAP (expanded cholesterol test) All were prescribed EFA 2 qd, Vitamin C 1000 mg qd, Niapsan 500 mg qd, Vitamin E 400 qd, Ca+ 1500 qd, and fiber 10 grams qd. All visited the clinic for weight checks and diet and exercise counseling 5 days per week. All had an MFQ started to collect data. Our research suggests that of the 35 patients who entered an 8-week program of diet and exercise and vitamin therapy, 76.7% of the study group were positive for metabolic syndrome using the NCEP-ATP III guidelines for risk. At the end only 46.7% remained positive for metabolic syndrome, which translates to 39% going from metabolic disease to metabolic fitness. Further, 86.7% improved their overall risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia by reducing weight.

Joseph Risser, MD, and Lynne Nieto, MSN, NP. Lindora Medical Inc, Costa Mesa, CA.