Enteroprotein Modified Fast ( EMF )

Rationale A) primary endpoint

• to verify the safety of protein sparing modified fast by enteral route ( EMF )in cycles of ten days/months repeated for six months,
• To compare EMF with oral PSMF clinically ( appetite control, polmonary function tests and metabolic pattern) and on metabolic parameters (hypertension, glucose intolerance, dyslipidaemia) maintaining body composition (particularly fat free mass and muscular strength) in 15 patients with disease-causing obesity not responding to medical treatment and/or cognitive/behavioural therapy, who are candidates for invasive treatment such as the gastric balloon or surgery but do not intend to undergo them compared with 15 undergoing the same regimen without the naso-gastric tube. To verify the effects of treatment with regard to the enteral-hormonal structure during the acute phase (selected sub-group) and while undergoing treatment.

B) Secondary endpoints:

• To verify the percentage of patients who maintain the weight reached 6 months after stopping treatment with the naso-gastric tube associated with a high-calorie normal-protein diet.
• Verify clinical safety of EN in these patients.

Inclusion criteria

• both genders, outpatients
• aged between 16 and 75
• with BMI 30 - 45 Kg/m2
• that are not in a restricted diet since at least 3 months
• with obesity related comorbidities (- type 2 diabetes
• mild or moderate OSAS
• orthopedic diseases (coxarthrosis, gonarthrosis)
• hypertension
• non alcoholic hepatic steatosis
• accepting to be enrolled in the study (signing informed consent)

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of gastrointestinal diseases
• Presence of cancer
• Patients treated with gastrolesive or anticoagulant drugs
• Hepatic failure, renal failure or multi-organ failure (cut off)
• Contraindications for enteral nutrition,Mechanical bowel complete, or partial chronic obstruction
• Severe mesenteric ischemia not caused by hypovolemia
• Digiunal or ileal fistula with high output (400 mL/die)
• Severe modifications of the intestinal function caused by enteropathies or insufficient absorbent surface, to the point that a normal nutritional state cannot be maintained
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes treated with oral or injected drugs that may cause hypoglycemia
• ANBN: anorexia or bulimia nervosa, evaluation of other symptoms by specific tests
• Patients with major psychiatric disorders or not cooperative, or with alcohol or drug addiction disorders.