Long-term treatment of obese children and adolescents using a telemedicine support programme

A total of 140 obese patients (mean age 14 years) participated in a structured treatment and teaching programme (STTP) in hospital, with the aim of weight reduction. At both the start and finish of the STTP, patients underwent clinical and psychological examination. During an average hospital stay of 35 days, their mean bodyweight decreased from 82.4 kg to 76.0 kg (P < 0.001). Patients were then followed up with a telemedicine support programme. During the next 12 months, the acceptance of the telemedicine support programme declined from 93% to 46%. The body mass index was 30.5 kg/m(2) at admission and 27.7 kg/m(2) at 12-month follow-up (P < 0.05). In parallel, wellbeing and treatment satisfaction increased, and there was a positive effect on eating behaviour and exercise. Intervention was needed in up to 64% of the children and adolescents who participated in the programme, most frequently due to poor results in exercise. Telemedical follow-up care and counselling seemed to be highly effective, and allowed not only an initial weight reduction, but long-term stabilization as well.