Partial weight reduction protocols in cats lead to better weight outcomes, compared with complete protocols, in cats with obesity

Abstract

Abstract Background: To date, there have been no studies comparing outcomes of cats with obesity following either complete or partial weight reduction protocols. Methods: Fifty-eight cats participated in this non-randomized observational cohort study, including 46 (79%) and 12 (21%) that underwent complete or partial weight reduction protocols, respectively. Weight loss outcomes, body composition changes and essential nutrient intake were compared between cats in the two groups. Results: All cats remained healthy with those undergoing complete weight reduction losing a median (range) of 23% (10-39%) of starting body weight over 294 days (113-967 days), and those undergoing partial restriction losing 25% (10-41%) over 178 days (54-512 days). There were no differences in duration or percentage weight loss between groups, but those that followed a partial weight reduction protocol lost weight at a faster rate (0.81% per week) and required fewer visits (7, 4-19) than those that followed a complete weight reduction protocol (0.61% per week, P=0.028; 11, 4-40 visits, P=0.009). Further, whilst lean mass decreased significantly in cats undergoing complete weight reduction (before 4.20 kg, 2.64-5.72 kg; after 3.90 kg, 2.76-5.24 kg, P<0.001), there was no change in cats undergoing partial weight reduction (before 3.45 kg, 2.79-4.71 kg; after 3.41 kg, 2.90-4.59 kg, P=0.109). Average daily selenium intake was less than NRC AI and RA in 42 cats (72%), and less than FEDIAF recommendation in 33 cats (57%), whilst average daily choline intake was less than NRC MR, NRC RA and FEDIAF recommendations in 22 (38%), 53 (91%) and 51 (88%) cats, respectively. Intakes of phenylalanine/tyrosine and potassium were marginally less than recommendations in a minority (12-14%) of cats, but no other essential nutrient deficiencies were observed, and there were no differences between cats undergoing complete and partial weight reduction. Conclusion: Partial weight reduction protocols in cats lead to quicker average weight loss, with the possibility that lean tissue loss might be minimized. Such protocols might be more suitable for older cats and those with marked obesity.