Changes in obesity, cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual physical activity following a one-year intervention program in obese youth: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim To assess the effects of a unique twelve month program of physical activity and health education on body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity habits in obese youth.


METHODS
Thirty-seven physician referred subjects, nineteen girls (12.7 ± 3.1 years) and eighteen boys (12.2 ± 2.8 years) participated in the study. Treatment consisted of a unique program of physical activity that emphasized playing games. Activity sessions were offered one time per week, two hours each session, for twelve months. A two hour health education class was provided every 3 months. Weight, height, Body Mass Index, cardiorespiratory fitness and habitual physical activity were measured.


RESULTS
Findings of the study demonstrated a significant improvement in body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness (P<0.001), and habitual physical activity (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Results of the pilot study were favorable in addressing serious health issues in young obese boys and girls.
Inserm de Lille, Lille, France. jeremy.vanhelst@hotmail.fr
J
J
Vanhelst
P S
PS
Fardy
J
J
Mikulovic
F
F
Marchand
G
G
Bui-Xuan
D
D
Theunynck
L
L
Beghin
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010865:Pilot Projects