A retrospective review of patient outcomes in the pediatric HEROES weight management program

Pediatric obesity is a public health concern in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of a pediatric stage 3 and 4 weight management program. Program aims measured: change in biometric values using BMI z-scores; intervention attrition rate; and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) from admission through the initial six months of the program. The program evaluation included a retrospective review of 884 electronic records. Of the 698 children that met the inclusion criteria, 468 completed at least one follow-up visit within the baseline to 6 month time period. Overall 66.38% of the 468 maintained program involvement at the 6 month evaluation. Of the 468 who completed the 6 months, 192 children/families participated in the clinic only program and 276 participated both in the clinic and a 12 week contract education/fitness and exercise intervention. The completion rate for the contract intervention was 7.3%. All children demonstrated a decrease in BMI z-scores. There were no statistically significant differences (p = 0.276) in the BMI z-change scores from baseline to 6 months in the clinic only program; those who did not complete the education/fitness and exercise intervention, and those who completed the education/fitness and exercise intervention. Children demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their overall HRQOL scale score (p = 0.001) from baseline to the 6 month evaluation. The results indicate the impact of attrition and HRQOL in weight management programs. Further research is needed to develop and strengthen the effectiveness of weight management interventions.