title: Weight loss and growth velocity in obese children after very low calorie diet, exercise, and behavior modification.
abstract: The prevalence of obesity in American youth is increasing and treatment of the condition is difficult. We have developed a multi-disciplinary weight reduction program that extends over 1 y and includes a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) followed by a hypocaloric diet, exercise, and behavior modification. Based on data collected at baseline, at the end of the acute intervention phase (10-20 wk), and at 1-y evaluation, we assessed the efficacy of this outpatient weight reduction program in treating obese children and adolescents in a follow-up of a series of cases. Furthermore, we examined the impact of the approach on growth velocity and maintenance of weight loss at 1 y. Fifty-six overweight children (aged 7-17 y) were recruited during a period of 18 mo to participate in the weight management program; 52 (93%) completed the acute phase of treatment and 35 (62.5%) successfully completed the 1-y program. There was a significant decrease in body weight and body fat, as assessed by weight determinations and skinfold measurements (p <0.0001; results not corrected for age). The body mass index for the 35 individuals who completed the 1-y program decreased significantly from 32.7 on entry to 28.72 at 1 y (p < 0.0001; results not corrected for age).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We conclude that a multidisciplinary weight reduction program that combines a VLCD, followed by a balanced hypocaloric diet, with a moderate-intensity progressive exercise program and behavior modification is an effective means for weight reduction in obese children and adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
authors.lastname: Sothern
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Udall
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Suskind
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vargas
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Blecker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D002149:Energy Intake; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D015431:Weight Loss