[Physical activity, nutritional counseling and psychological guidance in treatment of obese children. A controlled follow-up study over six months]

Abstract

Background: Only multi-faceted treatment programs may influence childhood obesity.

Methods: Thus our program consists of physical exercise, dietary counseling (but no caloric reduction) and psychological support. 17 obese children, aged 7 to 12 years, participated in this combined out-patient therapy program. The children were compared to a control group of 17 obese children who only received an initial dietary instruction.

Results: After 6 months program children showed a very significant decrease of percentage overweight (-11.5%), whereas control children showed an increase of +2.8%. In contrast to control children program children improved their physical performance rather significantly. Both groups improved in body-esteem, whereas only program children showed a better self-esteem. Positive trends in lipid metabolism did not reach level of significance.

Conclusions: We conclude that a combined program of exercise and diet improves short-term results in the treatment of childhood obesity, even without insisting on caloric reduction.