[Sports and diet--an ambulatory program for obese children]

In an out-patient programme, 18 obese children aged 9-13 years were attended to for 1 year. The project consisted of an exercise programme performed 3 times per week, dietary restriction to 1200 kcal/d and psychological approach. The aim, besides weight reduction and acquisition of a healthy individual nutrition habit, was to improve physical performance and to increase self-confidence. All children improved physical and coordinative capacity and staying power and showed considerably more self-confidence. Weight reduction to a level below 20% overweight was achieved in the group of 12-13 years of age, whereas younger children showed minor weight loss. In the early period of treatment, HDL-cholesterol generally decreased but increased within 4-5 months exceeding pretreatment levels. No vitamin deficiencies occurred.