Predictors of weight reduction in obese children.
The characteristics of successful and unsuccessful weight losers were studied in 48 obese children (relative weight > 120%) aged 6-15 years who were treated for 1 year and observed for another. Successful weight loss was defined as a decrease in relative weight of > or = 0.8 in the standard deviation score (SDS) at the end of the study. Thirty-two children were treated intensively, 16 with individual counselling and 16 in group therapy, while the remaining 16 children were treated conventionally in a school health care setting. Three children dropped out of the study. In 2 years, the relative body weight decreased by 1.7 SDS in those who were successful weight losers (n = 21, 47%), but remained unchanged in those who had been unsuccessful (n = 24). At baseline there were no differences between the two groups. At 1 year, the successful weight losers had lower body weight (P < 0.05), less lean body mass (0.05) and lower fasting concentrations of circulating insulin (P < 0.01) than the unsuccessful children did. A decrease in mothers' body mass index (BMI) and in documented energy intake over the first year as well as energy intake at 1 year were significant predictors of success at 2 years. The combination of these three predictors resulted in correct classification of about 3/4 of the cases as successful or unsuccessful weight losers. It appears, however, difficult to develop a clinically useful model for predicting the treatment outcome in obese children.
Nuutinen
O
O
Department of Clinical Nutrition, University of Kuopio, Finland.
Knip
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D002149:Energy Intake; D015444:Exercise; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015431:Weight Loss
D008055:Lipids