Anthropometric, bone age, and bone mineral density changes after a family-based treatment for obese children.
Our objective was to identify anthropometric, bone age, and bone mineral density (BMD) changes after a family-based treatment program for obese children. We conducted a longitudinal prospective study of 50 obese children (body mass index percentage [BMI%] > or =120%) aged 9.12 +/- 1.72 years (range 6-13) at baseline. A family-based treatment program, based on inadequate feeding style with progressive modification, aerobic physical exercise increase, active parental involvement, and the use of behavioural strategies (contracting, self-monitoring, social reinforcement), was developed during a 12-month period. Anthropometric data, lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, bone age (BA), bone age to chronological age ratio (BA/CA), and predicted adult height (PAH) were determined at baseline and 12 months. The statistical method used was analysis of variance and the paired Student t-test. Mean BMI standard deviation score (SDS) loss was -0.61 +/- 0.76 and BMI% loss was -5.17 +/- 9.73%. Height SDS significantly decreased, BA/CA ratio also decreased significantly, and PAH change was not significant. Lumbar spine BMD SDS and BMD% did not significantly change. A family-based treatment program was effective in obese children by reducing by 5% the BMI in 1 year and increasing the activity level. Treatment reduced growth velocity and delayed bone maturation rate without affecting PAH, reflecting a situation of previous early maturation. The treatment did not modify gaining bone mass.
Bermudez de la Vega
J Antonio
JA
Department of Pediatrics, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, Avda, Dr Fedriani s/n, Seville, Spain.
Vázquez
M Angeles
MA
Bernal
Susana
S
Gentil
F Javier
FJ
Gonzalez-Hachero
Jose
J
Montoya
M Jose
MJ
Pérez-Cano
Ramón
R
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000293:Adolescent; D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000379:methods*; D001827:Body Height; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002648:Child; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies