Wecht Management Program Shaws Promise for Lang Covid Sufferers

A recent study led bi the University o Glesga has unveiled encouragin findins regairdin the management o Lang Covid symptoms in individuals that are owerwecht an aw. The ReDIRECT trial, published in Nature Medicine, indicates that a structured wecht management program, supported by dietitians an peers, micht significantly improve the quality o life for thae grapplin wi the lingerin effects o COVID-19.

The trial involved pairticipants sufferin fae Lang Covid symptoms lastin ower 12 weeks. Ilka pairticipant identified the symptom they maist wished tae improve, sic as fatigue, breathlessness, or pain. Ower sax months, they engaged in a digitally-focused wecht management program that included a total diet replacement for the first 12 weeks, follaeit bi gradual fuid reintroduction an ongaun support for wecht maintenance.

The results war strikin. Approximately 60% o pairticipants reported a reduction in fatigue levels, while cognitive assessments revealed a 25% improvement in attention an memory tasks. Additionally, tests o respiratory function shawed enhanced lung capacity an endurance amang thae that adhered tae the program. On average, pairticipants lost aboot 10% o their body wecht, a significant achievement that contributed tae their oweraw weel-bein.

Dr. David Blane, a key researcher in the study, noted, “While it is difficult tae assess the clinical significance o the health improvements in wir study pairticipants, there are promisin signals that supported wecht management cuid be a helpfu pairt o a rehabilitation approach for some fowk livin wi Lang Covid.” He emphasised the importance o involvin the Lang Covid community in shapin the research, ensurin that the program met the needs o thae affected by this debilitatin condition.

Professor Emilie Combet, an expert in human nutrition, pynted oot the complexity o Lang Covid an the intervention itsel. “ReDIRECT wis a complex intervention, involvin no ainly remotely-delivered wecht management but dietitian an peer support. Further research is needit, as Lang Covid remains a significant public health concern affectin millions warldwide,” she stated.

Jane Ormerod fae Lang Covid Scotland expressed gratitude for the inclusive approach taen in the study. “Representatives fae Lang Covid Scotland wur involved fae the ootset tae ensure that the vyces an experiences o fowk wi Lang Covid contributed tae the development o this research intervention,” she said.

As the warld continues tae grapple wi the aftermath o the pandemic, this research offers a glimmer o howp for thae livin wi Lang Covid, suggestin that a tailored wecht management program micht provide a pathwey tae relief an recovery. Further studies will be essential for tae validate thae findins an explore the lang-term benefits o sic interventions.