Exercise intervention in childhood obesity: a randomized controlled trial comparing hospital-versus home-based groups
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Published on: December 1, 2023
Juan Francisco Lisón1, José María Real-Montes, Isabel Torró
1Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University CEU-Cardenal Herrera, Moncada, Valencia, Spain. juanfran@uch.ceu.es
Insights
A home-based exercise and diet program effectively treated childhood obesity, significantly reducing body fat and BMI-Z scores. This approach is feasible for large-scale adoption without high costs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Effective interventions are needed to manage pediatric obesity.
- Combined exercise and diet programs show promise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of hospital clinic group-based versus home-based exercise-diet programs for childhood obesity treatment.
- To evaluate the impact on anthropometric values and body composition.
Main Methods:
- 110 overweight/obese Spanish children (6-16 years) were randomized into hospital clinic group-based or home-based intervention groups, or a control group.
- Participants engaged in a 6-month combined aerobic, resistance training, and Mediterranean diet program.
- Anthropometric measurements and body fat percentage were assessed pre- and postintervention.
Main Results:
- Both intervention groups showed significant reductions in body fat percentage (4-4.4%) and BMI-Z score (0.16-0.23).
- The home-based group achieved a significant reduction in waist circumference (4.4 cm).
- Attendance rates were comparable between the hospital clinic and home-based groups.
Conclusions:
- A home-based combined exercise and Mediterranean diet program is effective for treating childhood obesity.
- This intervention improves body composition in overweight and obese children.
- The home-based approach is feasible, scalable, and cost-effective.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a hospital clinic group- versus home-based combined exercise-diet program for the treatment of childhood obesity.
Methods:
One hundred ten overweight/obese Spanish children and adolescents (6-16 years) in 2 intervention groups (hospital clinic group-based [n = 45] and home-based [n = 41]) and a sex-age-matched control group (n = 24) were randomly assigned to participate in a 6-month combined exercise (aerobic and resistance training) and Mediterranean diet program. Anthropometric values (including body weight, height, body mass index, BMI-Z score, and waist circumference) were measured pre- and postintervention for all the participants. Percentage body fat was also determined with a body fat analyzer (TANITA TBF-410 M).
Results:
Our study showed a significant reduction in percentage body fat and body mass index Z-score among both intervention-group participants (4%, 0.16, hospital clinic group-based; 4.4%, 0.23, home-based; P < .0001). There was also a significant reduction in waist circumference in the home-based group (4.4 cm; P = .019). Attendance rates at intervention sessions were equivalent for both intervention groups (P = .805).
Conclusions:
The study findings indicate that a simple home-based combined exercise and Mediterranean diet program may be effective among overweight and obese children and adolescents, because it improves body composition, is feasible and can be adopted on a large scale without substantial expenses.
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