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Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Childhood obesity: the epidemic of the third millenium
Anna Archenti1, Lucia Pasqualinotto
1S. Giuseppe Hospital, Milan, Italy. anna.archenti@alice.it
Insights
This study shows that a family-centered, multidisciplinary approach effectively reduces childhood obesity. The treatment, including diet, exercise, and psychological support, led to significant weight and BMI reduction in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Italy faces a high prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity.
- Family history is a significant risk factor for pediatric obesity.
- Obesity in children and teenagers increases the risk of various health conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary treatment program for childhood obesity.
- To assess anthropometric changes in pediatric patients undergoing intervention.
- To highlight the role of family involvement in managing pediatric obesity.
Main Methods:
- A three-month intervention was conducted on 52 pediatric patients (ages 6-17) with obesity (average BMI 31.5).
- Treatment included dietary management, physical activity programs, and psychological counseling for patients and families.
- Anthropometric measurements were recorded pre-treatment, post-treatment, and during follow-up.
Main Results:
- Average patient weight decreased from 81.8 kg to 79.4 kg.
- Average Body Mass Index (BMI) reduced from 31.3 to 30.4.
- These changes were statistically significant, indicating treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Teamwork and family-centered approaches are crucial for successful childhood obesity treatment.
- Patient outcomes are significantly influenced by family dynamics, including habits and flexibility.
- Positive family psychological attitudes are key determinants of treatment success in pediatric obesity.
Background:
Italy is the European country with the most obese and overweight children and teenagers. Most of them have a family history of obesity and this condition may increase the risk of many diseases.
Methods:
This study involved 52 patients (32 females and 20 males) between 6 and 17 years of age with an average BMI of31.5. The patients underwent a three-month treatment which included an overview of individual caloric intake and creation of a suitable diet, an exercise program and counselling sessions with a psychologist in order to support the patients and families. Anthropometric changes were evaluated at the end of the three months and during follow-up to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
Results:
Before starting the treatment the average weight of the patients was 81.8 kg, after the treatment it decreased to 79.4 kg. Likewise, the average BMI of the patients was 31.3 before the treatment and 30.4 after the treatment. Both of these results are statistically significant.
Conclusions:
This study confirms the importance of teamwork in the treatment of childhood obesity and the importance of approaching the problem with the entire family. A real problem exists for patients who are strongly dependent on the habits, determination and flexibility of their family. In conclusion, the success of this treatment is strongly related to the psychological attitude of the family.
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