Effect of a 1-Year Obesity Intervention (KLAKS Program) on Preexisting Autonomic Nervous Dysfunction in Childhood...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Childhood obesity is a growing concern with potential links to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction.
• The impact of weight loss interventions on ANS function in pediatric obesity is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a 1-year lifestyle intervention on anthropometric, biochemical, and autonomic nervous system parameters in obese children.
• To explore the relationship between changes in body mass index standard deviation scores and ANS function.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 31 obese children participated in the KLAKS lifestyle intervention for 1 year.
• Assessments included anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers, heart rate variability, and quantitative pupillography at baseline and follow-up.
• Multivariate modeling was used to analyze the association between changes in body mass index standard deviation scores and ANS parameters.

Main Results:

• The intervention led to significant improvements in weight status (Δ body mass index standard deviation scores: 0.16, P = .008), glycemic control, and free fatty acids.
• Autonomic nervous system function showed positive changes, including increased redilation velocity (0.22 mm/s, P = .008) and improved relative reflex amplitude and constriction velocity.
• Changes in redilation velocity tended to be negatively associated with weight status improvement.

Conclusions:

• A 1-year lifestyle intervention can improve weight status and metabolic risk factors in obese children.
• Preliminary evidence suggests that weight loss and metabolic improvements may positively impact certain aspects of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in pediatric obesity.