Effect of an individualised training programme during weight reduction on body composition: a randomised trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Obesity Research
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
• Weight reduction in obese children often leads to loss of fat-free mass.
• Maintaining fat-free mass is critical for metabolic health and preventing weight regain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a structured exercise program on fat-free mass in obese children undergoing weight reduction.
• To determine if preserving fat-free mass influences long-term weight management outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing a physical training and dietary advice group with a dietary advice-only group.
• Thirty obese children and adolescents participated over 12 weeks.
• Fat-free mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• The group receiving physical training showed significantly greater preservation of fat-free mass after 12 weeks compared to the control group.
• A significant inverse correlation was observed between fat-free mass change and subsequent body weight change after one year.
• The intervention group experienced a mean fat-free mass increase of 2.68 kg, while the control group had a 0.43 kg increase.

Conclusions:

• A standardized training program effectively prevents the reduction of fat-free mass in obese children during weight loss.
• Loss of fat-free mass during weight reduction may be a significant risk factor for weight regain in pediatric populations.
• Integrating exercise into weight management strategies is essential for sustainable results in obese children.