Multimodal-lifestyle interventions for overweight and obese children: a summary of results

Abstract

The increase of obesity and decline of fitness during childhood highlight the need for suitable interventions, designed to increase physical activity in children and adolescents. This paper aims to describe and identify the characteristics of three childhood obesity programs conducted in pediatric primary care setting and/or in school environment. Participants were overweight and obese boys and girls, aged 8 to 12 years. Children were assessed before and after the interventions with respect to body composition, physical activity, physical fitness, body image, perceived physical ability, enjoyment of physical activity, health related quality of life, and dietary habits. After treatments, overweight and obese children reported improvements in the body mass index, percent body fat, and in almost all health-related fitness tests. Psychosocial health related quality of life, body image, perception of physical ability, and physical activity enjoyment also improved at the end of the programs. For dietary habits, participants reported reductions in total and commercial food caloric intakes, with higher protein and lower fat consumptions from pre- to post-intervention. Results could have methodological implications for tailoring interventions to the needs of obese children. Findings encourage the adoption of a comprehensive approach focused on nutritional education and structured fun-based skill-learning physical activity.