2.6. Statistical Analysis
Prespecified analyses were performed in three subgroups, as defined by characteristics at randomization: age, sex, W/A, H/A, and W/H. Continuous variables were expressed as mean ± SD and discrete variables as percentages. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to assess the demographic characteristics and anthropometric data. For repeated measurements, the generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to determine the effects of group and time for the parameters measured at the baseline, week 14, and week 35. Parameters with only two time points were analyzed using paired 