Abstract
Obesity is an excess of body fat. A person is considered overweight if his/her Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges 26 - 30 kg/m². The prevalence of obesity in adult women rises significantly each decade, until it begins tapering off late in life. The years surrounding the climacteric are especially associated with weight gain, which poses a great health risk as it increases the incidence of hypertension, elevated blood lipid levels and insulin resistance.
Dr Reckeweg R59® is a homoeopathically prepared complex remedy that is indicated for obesity. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of R59® weight loss treatment in women in the climacteric and menopause between the ages of 45 and 65 who are overweight or obese.
The proposed study was a quantitative, double blind study. The study involved fifty female subjects between the ages of forty-five and sixty-five. The subjects were recruited using pamphlets, brochures and advertisements throughout the eastern Johannesburg district and the University of Johannesburg. Research took place at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Day Centre and the East Side Medical Centre in Kensington. The participants were randomly divided into two groups of twenty-five each. Both groups received an eating plan. Group A received a placebo. Group B received R59®. Participants were required to take ten drops of the medicine three times a day for eight weeks. During the first consultation and final follow up, the subject’s vital signs, BMI and fat percentage were recorded. The participant’s body circumference measurements and weight in kilograms were recorded weekly. The participant was required to keep a simple daily diary recording what food was consumed each day. Data was analysed using the independent sample t-tests, repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and repeated measures ANOVA with between-subjects factor.
From statistical evaluation, it was determined that R59® did not cause weight loss but was a factor in accelerating weight reduction. Both groups A and B experienced weight loss and size reductions. The statistics indicated that the results were statistically insignificant.
Dr. B. A. Saunders
Mrs. H. L. Matthews