Dieting: the results of a "user-friendly" programme

635 obese children and adolescents were treated in a dietary programme. They all had an elevated body mass index (BMI) in excess of 130% of the P50 BMI for age. The daily food intake was calculated from a 3-day diary. The children aged 6-12 years (group 1) had a total caloric intake superior to that of the children aged 12-17 years (group 2) in terms of % recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). The fat intake was higher in group 2 and the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (P/S ratio) was lower. The fibre and the water consumption were too low, and were comparable in both groups. A hypocaloric balanced diet was proposed with a total energy intake corresponding to 65% of the RDAs, 30% lipids, 50% carbohydrates and 20% proteins. A better long-term follow-up was observed in children of group 1. The rate of success (decrease of the excess BMI) was comparable at 6 months and proportionally superior in group 2 after one year. This simple therapeutic approach could be promoted by general practitioners, pediatricians and dieticians in countering the very considerable increase in juvenile obesity in industrialized countries.