A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of childhood obesity

Del Med J. 1999 Jun;71(6):255-61.

Abstract

Childhood obesity is a chronic disease that is associated with significant co-morbidity. Successful treatment and prevention of childhood obesity requires a multidisciplinary approach, including diet, nutrition education, behavior modification, and exercise. We studied 87 children (39 males, 48 females; aged 7-17 years) enrolled in a one-year multidisciplinary weight reduction program. Subjects were placed on a very low calorie/high protein diet, a moderate-intensity progressive exercise program, and behavior modification sessions for 10 weeks. Measures were taken at baseline 10 weeks, and 1 year. Significant anthropometric changes in weight, percent of ideal body weight, and percent body-fat were observed in all patients. We conclude that a multidisciplinary weight reduction program including diet, behavior modification, and exercise is an effective instrument to achieve weight loss in obese children and adolescents.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Behavior Therapy / standards
  • Child
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diet, Reducing / standards
  • Exercise Therapy / standards
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome