Changes in fat mass, fat-free mass and aerobic fitness in severely obese children and adolescents following a residential treatment programme

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe changes in fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM) and aerobic fitness in severely obese children and adolescents during residential treatment in the Medical Paediatric Centre Zeepreventorium. Treatment consisted of moderate dietary restriction, physical activity and psychological support. This study was a clinical observation of 20 severely obese children and adolescents (8 boys and 12 girls, aged 15.4±1.8 years) who completed the 10-month residential programme. Height, weight, FM, FFM and aerobic fitness was measured four times during the intervention: at baseline, 11 weeks, 24 weeks and at 33 weeks (at the end of the programme ). The mean decrease in level of overweight was 46% ( P <0.001), with a mean loss of 8.9% FM ( P <0.001). Submaximal performance (PWC150) improved from 123±35 Watt to 152±37 Watt ( P <0.001). Maximal performance levels increased (performance time: from 14±2.9 min to 15.3±3.5 min, peak power: from 186±38 Watt to 205±45 Watt, P <0.01) without an improvement in absolute O2 peak. Conclusion: a moderate dietary restriction in combination with physical activity and psychological support in severely obese children and adolescents is effective in decreasing body fat and improving physical performance. Further research is needed to evaluate the longer-term effects of such a programme.