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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
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Role of Parents in Body Mass Reduction in Children with Obesity-Adherence and Success of 1-Year Participation in an
Valentina Rahelić1, Dominika Głąbska2, Dominika Guzek3
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 12 Kišpatićeva Str., 10-000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Insights
Family meal habits and support influence adherence to childhood obesity treatment. However, baseline body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) are key predictors of successful body mass reduction in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity presents significant health challenges requiring early intervention.
- Family support and lifestyle interventions are crucial for effective treatment outcomes.
- Understanding parental and family dietary factors can enhance pediatric obesity management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how parental characteristics and family dietary habits impact adherence and success in a 1-year pediatric obesity reduction program.
- To identify key determinants of body mass reduction in children and adolescents undergoing lifestyle intervention.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary team provided dietetic, psychosocial, and endocrine counseling to 113 children (aged 10-17) with obesity.
- Assessment of adherence and success after 1 year included analysis of anthropometric data, parental factors, and meal consumption patterns.
- Statistical analysis explored the predictive value of baseline characteristics on treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Baseline body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) were significant predictors of body mass reduction success (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.04, respectively).
- These anthropometric measures did not predict adherence to the program.
- Meal consumption habits and family support emerged as potential determinants of adherence.
Conclusions:
- Family meal habits and support systems are vital for adherence to pediatric obesity treatment programs.
- Initial BMI and WHR are the primary determinants for achieving successful body mass reduction in obese children and adolescents.
- Further research into family dynamics and dietary patterns is warranted for optimizing intervention strategies.
Abstract:
Background and Objectives: Obesity in children and adolescents results in a number of serious health-related consequences necessitating early treatment. Support from family members and family-focused lifestyle interventions can improve effectiveness of the treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of parental characteristics and family-based dietary habits on the adherence and success of a body mass reduction program in children with obesity included in a lifestyle intervention program after 1 year. Materials and Methods: The program included dietetic, psychosocial, and endocrine counseling given to individuals either alone or in groups and was conducted by a multidisciplinary team (consisting of endocrinologists, nurses, psychologists, social counselors, dietitians, and physiotherapists). A total of 113 children aged 10-17 years (mean age 12.9 ± 2.0; 60 girls, 53 boys) were included in the program. After 1 year of participation, the rate of adherence and success were assessed. The effect of the participants' general characteristics, including anthropometric data, as well as parental characteristics (marital status, employment, education, body mass index (BMI), duration of breastfeeding) and the circumstances of meal consumption (eating at home or outside, fast food consumption), was analyzed. Results: The most important factors predicting body mass reduction success were baseline BMI (p < 0.0001) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.04), but they did not predict body mass reduction adherence. Conclusions: The meal consumption habits and support from family members may be among the determinants of adherence to a body mass reduction program for preadolescents and adolescents with obesity. However, the results of the presented study suggested that baseline BMI and WHR are the most important determinants of the body mass reduction success.
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