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Freiburg Intervention Trial for Obese Children (FITOC): results of a clinical observation study

U Korsten-Reck1, K Kromeyer-Hauschild, B Wolfarth

  • 1Department of Rehabilitative and Preventive Sports Medicine, University Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. u.korsten-reck@msm1.ukl.uni-freiburg.de

International Journal of Obesity (2005)
|December 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The Freiburg Intervention Trial for Obese Children (FITOC) successfully reduced body mass index (BMI) and improved fitness in obese children. Continued community-based exercise programs are recommended for sustained health benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Obesity Management
  • Intervention Studies
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The Freiburg Intervention Trial for Obese Children (FITOC) is an interdisciplinary, outpatient program for childhood obesity.
  • The program incorporates physical exercise, dietary and behavioral education, and requires parental involvement.
  • FITOC employs a longitudinal, nonrandomized clinical observation design with an intensive 8-month phase followed by long-term follow-up.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the FITOC program in managing childhood obesity.
  • To assess changes in body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels, and physical performance in obese children undergoing the intervention.
  • To compare outcomes in the intervention group with a control group of obese children not participating in the program.

Main Methods:

  • Data collected from 496 obese children (267 girls, 229 boys; average age 10.5 years) across 31 groups.
  • Measurements included body height, weight, fasting total cholesterol (CH), LDL-C, HDL-C, and physical performance.
  • A control group of 35 obese children was used for comparison.

Main Results:

  • Significant decreases in BMI and BMI-SDS observed in the intervention group (P<0.001).
  • Significant reduction in LDL-C in both sexes; CH decreased significantly in boys (P<0.01).
  • Improved physical fitness (W/kg body weight) in the intervention group (P<0.001), with no significant changes in controls.

Conclusions:

  • The FITOC program demonstrates success in treating obese children, evidenced by reduced BMI-SDS and improved physical performance.
  • Intervention led to favorable changes in lipid profiles, particularly LDL-C.
  • Long-term maintenance of therapeutic success is recommended through community-based exercise programs to foster active lifestyles.
Abstract

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